Helicopter service to the Scillies is 'vital' says former pilot

A former pilot has told ITV News West Country it's vital a helicopter passenger service is restored to the Isles of Scilly.

The helicopter stopped running from Penzance to the Scillies in 2012.

Jim Blane, who flew the route for several years says there is still demand for the service despite plane and ship routes.

Plans for a new service have been delayed after a shipping company launched a legal challenge.

According to Mr Blane, the public would definitely use the helicopter if it were reinstated.

He says when he was flying he used to carry thousands of passengers.

Mr Blane believes that passengers in Penzance need a local transport link to the Scillies.

The Skybus and ship services are run by the Isles of Scilly Steamship Company from its Land's End base.

Mr Blane says as well as convenience, the decline in passenger numbers since 2012 is because people prefer the comfort of riding in a helicopter.

Plans to bring back the service with a new heliport have been delayed after The IoS Steamship Company asked for a judicial review of the planning permission.

This means a high court judge will review Cornwall Council's decision to award permission.

The IoS Steamship Company says a better location for a helicopter service would be at the company's Land's End premises.

Mr Blane says this is an attempt to control the local market.

The steamship company says it has invested twelve million pounds since the helicopter service ended but doesn't believe there are enough passengers to justify a new one at Penzance.