PLANS to move ambulance crews from their base at Darlington Memorial Hospital to the town's fire station have taken a step forward.

A planning application has been submitted to Darlington Borough Council by the North-East Ambulance Service NHS Trust, following weeks of work to alter the road system in the vicinity.

The town's branch of the service is to move into the fire station, on St Cuthbert's Way, once alterations have been made.

The plans are to convert a vehicle workshop, at the back of the station, into a two-bay ambulance station and breathing apparatus training centre.

The move is expected to cut response times and improve inter-service training on the site.

Work carried out on the road outside the station in recent weeks will allow vehicles to turn right, rather than have to turn left and double back at the Feethams