BOW Parish Council, in conjunction with Devon Air Ambulance Trust, is progressing feasibility of the proposed community helipad at Bow Village Field, adjacent to the village hall at Station Road.

Devon Air Ambulance already uses the football pitch at the Village Field to land, but that is only possible during daylight hours.

With the air ambulance extending its operational service up to midnight the intention is to be able to use the football pitch for night landing, if necessary.

This would mean putting in one specialist light - a 10m high column with a pair of lights attached - close to the south side of the football pitch.

Bow and the surrounding area, including part of Zeal Monachorum parish, would benefit from the Bow community helipad. Costs associated with installation of the light are being finalised and are likely to be in the region of £6,000 + vat.

Applications to various funding bodies are being submitted and any planning requirements are also being checked with Mid Devon District Council.

Bow Parish councillors and representatives of Bow Football Club met Devon Air Ambulance Community Helipads Development Officer, Toby Russell, in November and, with the proposal having reached the stage of local community engagement, a public meeting in the form of a drop-in information event, will be held at Bow Village Hall on Wednesday, December, 14, between 4pm and 7pm.

Everybody going at any time during those times will be able to hear about the proposal, see a presentation and be able to ask any questions.

Toby Russell and representatives of Bow Parish Council will be on hand to answer any questions. It is hoped that local people will take this opportunity to find out more.

Sue Read