Growth forces air ambulance to close warehouse doors

A long-standing part of the Kegworth community, The Air Ambulance Service (TAAS) will close the doors to its Side Ley warehouse at the end of May due to the need to expand into bigger premises.

The charity, which operates the lifesaving Derbyshire, Leicestershire & Rutland Air Ambulance from East Midlands Airport, has used the site as its trading headquarters since 2012 but has experienced growth to the extent where the site has become too small.

Following an in-depth review, the charity decided to take the option of a lease break on the Kegworth site. This process took into account the future growth of the charity, the need to reduce staff/van travelling time and carbon footprint, and to bring the whole of the charity closer together rather than spread across three locations.

The operation will move to Daventry in Northamptonshire where a number of roles will be relocated.

“We would like to thank our volunteers and the people of Kegworth for the support you have shown to the charity over the past eight years,” said Deputy CEO Emma Peake.

“The charity and the lifesaving services it provides simply would not exist without the help and support of our volunteers and generous supporters, and I’d like to thank each and every one of you.”

People will still be able to support the charity either as a volunteer or through donations as the charity receives no government funding towards its daily missions.

If you have a particular skill or interest and would like to help the charity then please get in touch. The organisation is currently offering volunteering roles such as shop floor assistants, electrical donation testers, social media assistants, online trading assistants and many more roles. Please contact [email protected] for current opportunities.

Supporters across the Kegworth area can also continue to donate their pre-loved goods. To find your nearest clothing bank or donation station please click here