999 closure could put lives at risk

Under review: Crompton ambulance station

CONTROVERSIAL plans to close Shaw and Crompton ambulance station could put lives at risk, says local Liberal Democrat Councillor Diane Williamson.

She raised concern over response times following a decision to shut the Moor Street depot.

Councillor Williamson said: “One of the reasons for the closure is because there have been a number of acts of vandalism and crime. The ambulance service needs to look after its staff and is looking at possibly relocating to the Royal Oldham Hospital. My concern is that this will add another three minutes or so to the response time, putting more lives at risk.

Councillor Williamson is to raise the concerns at tomorrow’s full council meeting.

The trust says no final decision on closure will be taken until a review has been completed.