Future of Prestwick's Gannet base still up in the air
Roisin McGroarty • Published 8 Dec 2011 13:20
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Rescue service HMS Gannet could be set to leave South Ayrshire due to budget cuts
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FEARS continue to grow for the future of Prestwick's search and rescue base this week as plans are released to privatise the industry.
The South Ayrshire crew carry out over 300 to 400 rescues per year, but despite this they could be axed if a civilian contractor is chosen to take over the search and rescue roles from the military.
Ayr MSP John Scott, revealed his fears over the future of the Prestwick base.
John Scott, pictured right, said: "The plans drawn up by the last government to privatise search and rescue services were put on hold last year, but it has now been confirmed that it is the intention for civilian contractors to take over helicopter search and rescue roles from the military, with an anticipated date for the award of such a contract being early 2013."
Read the full story in this week's paper, out now.
This article appeared in Troon Times 06 Dec 11
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