LANCASHIRE’S police helicopter base is to close as part of a cost-cutting move by the force nationally.

The National Police Air Service (NPAS) has announced it will close 10 bases over the next two years, including Warton on the Fylde.

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The closure, expected during the 2016/17 financial year, means East Lancashire’s police air support will come from bases at Barton in Eccles, Greater Manchester, and Hawarden in Cheshire, where four machines cover for five forces.

The accountable manager for the NPAS, Chief Supt Ian Whitehouse, said: “NPAS needs to find further substantial financial savings with a target of 14 per cent of revenue cuts over the next three years.

“This is on top of the 23 per cent savings already made. Local police forces facing similar savings are looking at how they rationalise their estate and ways of operating and NPAS is no different in this regard.

“There is no easy way of doing this and difficult decisions have to be made.

“This move will help improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the service and mean that every base supports police forces 24hours a day.

“It is a move based on an analysis of potential threat, risk and harm to the public we serve.

“Part of the move will also see four fixed-wing aircraft form part of the fleet.

“These will be based out of the East Midlands Airport. Fixed-wing aircraft are cheaper to fly than rotary aircraft.”

Rachel Baines, of the Lancashire Police Federation, said the decision had been unexpected.

She said: “It was a surprise. We know there were some reductions to be made but we did not know Lancashire would be affected quite so badly. We are very disappointed at the decision to close Warton. There was no consultation with our staff and we would query why it has been seemingly decided Lancashire does not need air support.

“I understand response times will double in some parts of Lancashire and I think it is unacceptable.”

Clive Grunshaw, Police and Crime Commissioner for Lancashire, said: “I will be discussing the proposal with the Chief Constable at my regular meeting with him this week to understand if there are any operational issues for the force.”