Future of chopper base uncertain

A decision will be made soon on the future of the base

A decision on the future of the Royal Navy base HMS Gannet will move a step closer with the end of a consultation exercise.

The Ministry of Defence has proposed the 819 Sea King helicopter squadron based there should be relocated to Cornwall.

If the anti-submarine support choppers are moved about 40 jobs would be lost at the Ayrshire base.

The plans have been the subject of consultation with unions, but all of the six options put forward by the MoD recommend a move away from Prestwick.

'450 job losses'

The pressure to close Prestwick comes despite assurances from government ministers in November that HMS Gannet had not been earmarked for closure.

Ayr MP Sandra Osborne said the closure would mean the loss of 450 jobs and cost the local economy an estimated £15m a year.

But the government has given assurances the search and rescue facility at the base would continue for the foreseeable future.

It also revealed that there would be further consideration on the deployment of Merlin helicopters to replace the Sea Kings at the base.

A final decision is expected to be made by ministers shortly.