A COUNCILLOR has challenged ambulance bosses to guarantee lives will not be put at risk by station closure plans.

Three weeks ago, the North East Ambulance Service (NEAS) outlined controversial proposals to replace traditional rural ambulance stations with a mobile community paramedic.

If the outline proposals were put into effect, ambulance stations in Barnard Castle, Middleton-in-Teesdale and St John's Chapel, in County Durham, could be closed and replaced by mobile paramedics, possibly based in premises shared with other health workers.

Ambulance officials say the new service would improve overnight ambulance cover for rural areas. They say it would prevent ambulance drivers being roused from their sleep to answer 999 calls in the middle of the night.

Instead, emergency calls would be responded to by locally-based night shift paramedics who could call in ambulance back-up if required.

But Durham County Councillor John Shuttleworth delivered an uncompromising message to NEAS officials by reading out a toughly-worded statement at yesterday's ambulance trust board meeting.

The Weardale councillor told the board: "If you really want to be open and honest, join me in Weardale and ask the people what they think.

"If you are prepared to gamble with the lives of vulnerable people in rural communities, I invite you to give me your personal assurance - in writing - that closing ambulance stations will not cost lives. When it does, I will call for your resignations, and there can be no argument about it."

During the meeting, board members were told that senior NEAS officials had already held meetings to discuss the proposals with local MPs, including Hilary Armstrong and Helen Goodman.

Officials have also met NHS organisations, including Durham Dales Primary Care Trust and patient forums.

There are also plans to meet Teesdale District Council, Wear Valley District Council and GPs in Middleton-in-Teesdale.

NEAS officials are hoping that firm proposals can be drawn up by September which can then be put out to public consultation before any decision is taken.

"We are still listening to people.

"Nothing has been decided at this stage," a NEAS spokesman said.