Search and Rescue Helicopters based at RAF Leconfield will no longer operate from the site after a deal was signed with a US company to replace the Sea King fleet.
The move comes after a £1.6 billion contract for search and rescue helicopters to be managed by US company Bristow Helicopters Ltd was signed today (Tuesday 26 March.)
The Department for Transport say the new management will enable the aircraft to reach a larger area of the UK and it is estimated the response to incidents will be faster.
However George McManus, parliamentary spokesman for Beverley and Holderness Labour Party said: “This is a real shock. The yellow Sea King helicopters are an institution in East Yorkshire. They provide reassurance and a first class service. It seems there is nothing that this government will not sell for the sake of profit. Is nothing sacred?”
The new contract will see 22 helicopters operating from 10 locations around the UK.
For the full story see the Driffield Times & Post, out on Thursday 28 March.