On Wednesday, Dyfed Powys Police scrambled a rescue operation to deliver much needed supplies of food and medication to a family in Knighton who have been cut off because of the winter weather for the last three weeks.
A call was received by the Police from one of the family’s neighbours who reported that the family had run out of food, fuel and urgent medication.
Divisional Commander Steve Hughson said “We were told that that the family were experiencing difficulties because of the weather and their supplies had run out. I made the decision straight away to try and get stocks to them. We tried using 4×4 vehicles first, but that failed because the roads were impassable. Then we contacted our helicopter support team to ask for their help.
“We knew that there was a family of four stranded in the isolated farm and as well as being concerned for themselves and were reluctant to leave the farm as they were concerned about the welfare of their racehorses.
“Supplies of food and mediation were gathered locally and the helicopter picked them up and took them to the family.
“We have a duty to protect all our residents and this operation certainly saved their lives.
PC Huw Thomas was a member of the helicopter crew on the mission, he added, “The snow was very deep when we arrived at the farm and the family were extremely grateful to see us coming.
“We couldn’t land too close because of the conditions, so we had to walk quite a way to reach the property. From the air you realise how isolated some of our communities in Dyfed Powys are, this farm had been cut off for several weeks as they are so high up and the weather conditions for them had been treacherous for several weeks.
“It is at times like these that the Force helicopter plays a vital role in safeguarding our residents. The family now have food, medication and fuel that will last a few weeks so they can look after both themselves and their horses.”
