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Anger surfaces over ‘wasteful’ £22k work
CRITICISED: Work to re-tarmac Buxton's under-threat ambulance station has drawn criticism from campaigners. NBUA 1-2-13 JC1.
CAMPAIGNERS who have been fighting controversial plans to close ambulance stations in the High Peak have slammed East Midlands Ambulance Service (EMAS) for spending £22,000 resurfacing the Buxton station.
Work has been ongoing for several days to re-tarmac the surface of the Park Road station - which could be closed if EMAS plans to replace ambulance stations with community ambulance posts and hubs are approved next month.
A number of options are being considered by the board, as part of the trust’s Being the Best programme, most of which would see ambulance stations at Buxton and New Mills closed.
Andrew Spice, EMAS Commercial Director said: “The final decision will be made on our Being the Best proposals at the trust board meeting on March 25.
“Until then, we have a responsibility to our staff to ensure that the facilities currently used remain safe.
“At Buxton Ambulance Station problems were reported with the tarmac surface.
“We arranged to have the fault repaired so staff safety can be maintained and we can prevent costly damage to our emergency vehicles, which would also mean having a vehicle off the road while it was repaired.”
The cost of the repair work has been quoted at £22,000 and locals have criticised the move.
On Facebook, Pam Cohen said: “Right hand doesn’t know what the left hand is doing! I think there are serious questions to be asked about the standard of management within EMAS.”
Ian Howarth added: “If this was in the private industry then they would be bust, total and utter amateurs.”
And Susan Mellor said: “What a waste of money, why not wait a month till a decision has been made?”
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Weather for Bakewell
Thursday 20 June 2013
Today
Light rain
Temperature: 12 C to 17 C
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