Legal challenge threatens to ground Isles of Scilly helicopter plan

Library pictures of the former helicopter service that served the island until 2012

A legal challenge is threatening to halt plans for a new helicopter service to the Isles of Scilly.

The service is due to start running between Penzance and St.Mary's and Tresco from Spring next year.

But the Isles of Scilly Steamship company, which runs the only air and ferry services to the islands, has asked for a review in the High Court of the decision by Cornwall Council to give the scheme planning permission.

They say the impact of a helicopter service will have serious consequences on the islands' transport infrastructure.

But the team behind the two million pound scheme argue the Steamship Company is trying to protect its monopoly, and is going against the wishes of the majority of islanders who want the helicopter service reinstated.

Helicopters flew to the islands until 2012 when the operator British International Helicopters withdrew the service.

Backers of the proposed service said they were disappointed.