Battle is on to save Maybole ambulance service

May 7 2008 Ayrshire Post

A COMMUNITY are set to rise up and fight the axing of their ambulance service.

Furious Maybole residents will stage a public meeting to hatch a battle plan against Scottish Ambulance bosses.

The Ayrshire Post revealed last week that Maybole’s ambulance was set to go as part of shock restructuring plans.

The rescue vehicle will be replaced by a rapid response car, which critics say will put lives at risk.

Now the town is refusing to take the decision lying down and has pledged to fight the move every inch of the way.

Community council chairman Peter Mason said: “Because of the revelations about the ambulance service, and the serious nature of this problem, I intend to hold a public meeting on the same night as our AGM.

"This is a further dilution of public services to the town of Maybole, we can’t live without our ambulance. The withdrawal of the ambulance service in Maybole and district will effect every village within the KA19 postcode.

“Bearing in mind that there are villages situated seven miles inland from the A77, the lack of an ambulance with two paramedics on board will have serious consequences.”

He added: “The number of serious accidents on the A77 between Minishant and south of Maybole and at present the lack of a bypass must surely warrant the service to remain in Maybole.

“This public meeting is a chance for everyone in this area to air their views.How many of you, your family and friends owe their lives to the ambulance crew of Maybole?

"Consider the consequences if they had to wait on an ambulance coming from Ayr.”

And Maybole councillor Brian Connolly added: “This would not be a good move for the Carrick residents, a view shared by the front-line operators.

"We seem to be chasing targets rather than tending to those that require the emergency services.”

And MSP Cathy Jamieson has joined the fight. She said: “There must be no cuts or reduction in the level of service in Ayrshire.

“Over recent days constituents from the Doon Valley, Maybole and Girvan have contacted me to express their concerns following national press reports.

“I am disappointed that I have yet to receive any detailed information from the ambulance service about their proposed changes.

“When I met with them I made it clear that the views of local communities must be taken account of before any decision is taken.

“The ambulance service’s recent announcement in the press that they intend to replace the ambulance at Maybole with a new rapid response unit has only caused alarm and deep concern among residents of the town and the surrounding villages.

"Local ambulance crews do an excellent job and I have had glowing reports from constituents about their professionalism.”