Stuart Clarkson

10:00am - 2:00pm

Email the studio

Alex Warren

Fever Dream

Listen Live Podcasts

Yorkshire Air Ambulance to build new site to cut response time to Craven

Tuesday, 7 October 2025 09:52

Illustrated image of new airbase

Yorkshire Air Ambulance is building a facility strengthening emergency response coverage for communities across Craven and the Yorkshire Dales.

The new facility, to be built near Skipton on Swale, will replace the service’s existing base at RAF Topcliffe and bring operations nearer to western parts of North Yorkshire.

The location is designed to cut response times to rural areas, including Skipton, Grassington, Malham, and Settle — areas where fast medical support can make a crucial difference.

The purpose-built site will include a helipad, crew accommodation, training facilities, and planning spaces to support the charity’s growing operational needs.

Construction work is now underway, with the project expected to be complete by autumn 2026.

Yorkshire Air Ambulance Chairman Mike Harrop said the new base will secure the charity’s long-term future in the north of the region and make a direct impact on the ability to reach patients quickly across the Dales.

The development has received £300,000 in support from the HELP Appeal charity to fund the new helipad.

Local leaders have welcomed the move, saying it will provide better access to emergency air support for Skipton and surrounding villages, where terrain and travel times can pose challenges for land ambulances.

More information about the project and ways to support the charity can be found at www.yorkshireairambulance.org.uk.

More from Local news

Runners for Great North Run raise over £17,000 Yorkshire Air Ambulance

Runners taking on this year's Great North Run have raised more than £17,000 for Yorkshire Air Ambulance.
Family appeal for help finding cat after seven weeks missing in Gargrave

An appeal has been launched to help find a cat who has been missing from his home in Gargrave for seven weeks.
Man arrested on suspicion of supplying Class A drugs in Skipton

A man has been arrested on suspicion of supplying Class A drugs following a plain-clothes police operation in Skipton.
£20m regeneration programme launched for Keighley

A new £20million programme aimed at supporting the long-term regeneration of Keighley has been launched.
Skipton Three Peaks challenge raises £8,000 for dementia charity

Walkers have raised more than £8,000 for Dementia Forward after completing an 18-mile challenge around the Skipton countryside.
Keighley shops can keep selling alcohol despite licences being revoked

Four Keighley stores that were found selling illegal goods will be able to sell alcohol until February, despite Councillors deciding they should be stripped of their licences in March.
Police search for Keighley man following Skipton burglary

Police are appealing for help to find a wanted man in connection with a burglary in Skipton.
Beer and Gin Festival returning to Glusburn this weekend

A popular beer and gin festival is returning to Glusburn this weekend with local drinks, food and live music.
North Yorkshire hospices warn of cuts and closures as funding crisis deepens

Hospice services across North Yorkshire are at risk of cuts and closure as a multi-million-pound funding crisis deepens, charity chiefs have warned.
Silsden care home launches appeal for handmade clothes protectors

A Silsden care home is calling on local crafters and sewers to help create handmade clothes protectors for its residents.
Keighley named best town in Yorkshire for second year running

Keighley has been named the Best Overall Town in Yorkshire for the second consecutive year at the Yorkshire in Bloom Awards.
Long-running Skipton craft shop to close as owners retire

A long-running Yorkshire craft business is set to close its Skipton shop as its owners announce their retirement.
Airedale Seniors Collective celebrates successful Silsden gathering

A community initiative aimed at bringing older people together across the Aire Valley has celebrated the success of its second event.
Skipton fish and chip shop sponsors junior football team

Young footballers in Skipton have unveiled a brand new kit thanks to the support of a local fish and chip shop.
64 arrests made in North Yorkshire Police's biggest ever operation

North Yorkshire Police made 64 arrests during a 24-hour crackdown on serious and organised crime across the county.
Skipton BID celebrates Silver Gilt success at Yorkshire in Bloom Awards

Skipton BID is celebrating after receiving a Silver Gilt award at the 2026 Yorkshire in Bloom Awards.
Skipton BID rejects claims town is struggling

Skipton BID has rejected suggestions that the town 'as a whole' is struggling while backing calls for investment to improve Skipton Market.
Sugden End tip reopening approved after £400,000 funding row

Sugden End tip near Keighley will re-open by the end of the year, despite an impassioned debate over how it will be funded.
Over 500 Afghans resettled in North Yorkshire as 23 households await new homes

More than 500 people from Afghanistan have now been resettled in North Yorkshire, according to a new report outlining progress with the county’s refugee programmes.
Craven College students join campaign to reopen Skipton-Colne railway

Craven College students are joining the campaign to reopen the missing rail link between Skipton and Colne.