Shock and anger greeted the leaked news that West Midlands Ambulance Service is planning to close the ambulance base in Ross-on-Wye.

The news was greeted with outrage that such a decision could be made without any explanation or consultation with the Town Council, the local MP or the Wye Valley Trust prior to it becoming public knowledge.

MP Jesse Norman told the Ross Gazette: “I have been in touch with Anthony Marsh’s office at the West Midlands Ambulance Service to register my concern and to get more information on what is being proposed.

He said: “It would be normal for WMAS to consult with local Members of Parliament before announcing any withdrawal of service. But so far I have heard nothing. I will be pressing Mr Marsh to listen to public feeling and ensure that the service is maintained.”

The Wye Valley Trust told the Ross Gazette that they were unaware of the plans and a spokesperson said that they would not comment on rumour or speculation.

The Mayor of Ross-on-Wye, Councillor Jane Roberts told the Ross Gazette that she could not speak for the Town Council as they have not yet had a chance to discuss the matter. She said, speaking personally: “I am very disappointed that yet again decisions about the provision of NHS services in Ross are being taken without consultation. I will be asking the Town Council to contact WMAS to request assurances that they will monitor and share response time data for our town.”

A spokesperson for the WMAS said: “Due to the rise in activity it is now rare for the response post in Ross-on-Wye to be used, as the ambulance based at the site simply does not get back there before being sent to help another patient.

“It therefore makes no sense to plough money into a building that is rarely used, other than at the beginning or end of shift. It is much better to save that money and increase the number of paramedics and ambulances.”

While many residents have signed a petition urging WMAS to retain the base, other residents accept that this move cuts costs, but they still want reassurances that ambulance waiting times will not increase in the Ross-on-Wye area.