A COUNCILLOR who is waging war against proposed ambulance station closures is predicting that 'hundreds' will attend a showdown public meeting.

County councillor John Shuttleworth and his supporters have been out leafletting homes in the St John's Chapel area of Upper Weardale in the last few days.

Coun Shuttleworth, who is vehemently against the proposals and claims that they could cost lives, estimates that his team have delivered letters to 700 homes in the area.

Next Tuesday's 7pm meeting in St John's Chapel Town Hall will be the culmination of more than 30 public meetings hosted by the NEAS to explain their proposals.

As part of national moves to modernise ambulance services the NEAS want to do away with permanently manned ambulance stations in St Johns Chapel, Middleton-in-Teesdale and Barnard Castle staffed by standby crew.

This system relies on staff being roused from their beds to answer 999 calls after working a 12 day shift.

Instead, the NEAS wants to provide ambulance cover through community paramedics who would work on a 24 hour shift system, travelling to incidents using a car and motorbike.

If necessary, an ambulance could be dispatched to provide back-up.

The NEAS claims this would provide a better service for people who live in rural areas.

But the NEAS is encountering opposition across County Durham.

The plans have already been criticised by Barnard Castle Town Council and triggered a 1,000 strong petition in Teesdale opposing the move.

Tuesday's meeting, called by Coun Shuttleworth, will be attended by the NEAS chairman Mr Tony Dell as well as other senior officers.

Coun Shuttleworth promised the NEAS officers a warm welcome.

"I would be very surprised if there's not 200 people there on the night," he said.

He argued that there is "no merit" in the proposals and the current service was more than adequate.

Mark Cotton, spokesman for the NEAS, said the meetings had been "incredibly useful" but he denied that everyone was opposed to change.

"We have received a lot of support from GPs, patients' forums and members of the public," he added.

Mr Cotton said it was hoped that formal proposals would be published this side of Christmas.

The proposals will be subject to a 12 week period of public consultation.

If they are opposed by the local authority Overview and Scrutiny Committee the plans could be referred to the Health Secretary for a final decision.