THE fight is on to save the Dorset’s Coastguard rescue helicopter after an influential Parliamentary committee urged a government rethink.

The Transport Select Committee has expressed concerns that consultation was not done before it was announced the life-saving service would be axed.

The helicopter, based at Portland, faces the axe in 2017 under government plans.

In the new twist to the campaign to save the aircraft, the committee has expressed concern that those affected by the changes were not consulted and raising questions about the helicopter procurement.

The development comes after South Dorset MP Richard Drax appeared before the cross party committee at the Houses of Parliament to fight the helicopter’s case on November 5.

The Transport Select Committee has written to the Secretary of State for Transport Patrick McLoughlin saying it was ‘surprised and disappointed’ by the government’s failure to consult the public about closure of Portland and RAF Boulmer in Northumberland.

The committee is urging the government to consult with the public about the closures following concerns that axing the helicopter could lead to slower response times and increased fatalities in the areas affected.

Committee chairman Louise Ellman MP said: “People rightly expect that the government will listen to their views and concerns, taking them into account before major decisions are reached.

“This has not happened with the planned closure of the helicopter bases at RAF Boulmer and Portland, despite compelling arguments that these closures may cost lives.

“It is not too late for the Government to consult and, if necessary, to change their proposals.”

South Dorset MP Richard Drax welcomed the letter and urged government ministers to come to Dorset to consult with rescuers.

Mr Drax, working together with a team submitted a 12-page report to the committee and was asked to give evidence earlier this month.

Mr Drax welcomed the letter, he said: “What’s great is that it is so strong.

“It’s really re-assuring, at last hopefully someone will listen.”

He added: “I think it underlines what we have said all along, an independent group of people has looked at the evidence, as we have, and concluded what we have: that if this helicopter goes people are likely to die.”