A LOCAL MP has called for a pause on any decision surrounding Alston Moor's vital ambulance service - in the hopes that it can be saved.

Dr Neil Hudson, MP for Penrith and The Border, has responded to a community's fears that the North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) may remove the ambulance service, which has served the town of Alston for almost 50 years.

And although he said he understood the issues faced by NWAS, he hoped a solution could be reached that would work for everybody.

He said: “They [NWAS] stated in a parish council meeting on August 2 that they were trying to 'improve not remove' and were wanting to increase the number of ambulances in Cumbria.

“NWAS stated that as the EMT 1 team do not have blue light training, the ambulance service is basically redundant as they cannot transport patients to hospital.

"The main issue for NWAS is that they want to be able to ensure every aspect is operating safely, legally and correctly along with the relevant training.”

There have been numerous protests and petition signatures to save the ambulance, including signs of ‘Save our Ambulance’ at the entrance to Alston Moor.

The Penrith MP has also tried to stop any progress of the feared removal or change and has insisted on other ways to save the service which 2,500 people rely upon.

He said: “I have encouraged a halt to the process so that we will be able to talk about viable options for the future of the Alston Ambulance Service with the community and relevant authorities involved.

“I believe that it would be detrimental for Alston to lose such a valuable service. There has been nothing but high praise from the community for their EMT team.

“Alston and the surrounding villages are very rural, with the nearest next town being about 19 miles away.

"The Alston ambulance provides a sense of comfort for the community and has aided many in times of need.

"There have been statements from the community that the paramedics have been grateful on arrival for the EMT team in Alston as they can provide the urgent care that could take hours to receive if waiting on an ambulance from Carlisle or Penrith.”

The MP is strongly encouraging the NHS and NWS to pause any action until the can discuss future options with the community.

He said: “ It is important that we get stakeholders and the local community representatives around the table to discuss this fully to try and the local community are fully consulted on any potential changes."