Anthony Carroll A lengthy consultation over possible plans to relocate operations from Great Yarmouth's heliport to Norwich should be concluded by the end of the month.

Anthony Carroll

A lengthy consultation over possible plans to relocate operations from Great Yarmouth's heliport to Norwich should be concluded by the end of the month.

Helicopter company CHC is considering moving its fleet of five helicopters and 70 staff from North Denes heliport.

CHC helicopters fly offshore workers to North Sea oil and gas platforms and the heliport handles about 30,000 passenger movements a year.

It is believed that one of the options by the Aberdeen-based company is to move its operations to Norwich International Airport.

CHC is consulting with all its clients about the possible relocation to Norwich and the results should be known by the end of August.

Yarmouth Borough Council is involved in the consultation.

The council fears Yarmouth's economy will be hit if the 70 jobs relocate and fewer offshore workers stay in the town's guest houses and hotels.

CHC says that if it does relocate then significant job losses are not expected.

It is thought the company is considering the move because of the cost of building a new runway at North Denes.

A spokeswoman for the company said: “We are committed towards maintaining our services in the region and the base plays a vital role in our operations however our priority is to provide the best possible service to both our current and potential future customers.”