Plan shows need for localism in decision making say Edward Leigh MP:

"The plans entailed in the East Midlands Ambulance Service’s recent Estate Strategy document raise serious questions about the Service’s ability to respond to emergencies in our part of Lincolnshire. The proposal to shut Gainsborough’s ambulance station is exceptionally unwise, and I hope EMAS will immediately reconsider the plans outlined in its Estate Strategy.

"From my experience as Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee investigating government waste in services, I understand very well the need to increase efficiency and pool resources. However the public need is the absolute priority, and the Gainsborough ambulance station provides vital services to those who live and work in the surrounding area. This provides further evidence that decision-making powers on services such as this need to be further localised beyond the ‘regional’ East Midlands level, so that local people are in charge and making decisions on how vital services such as emergency health responses are provided.

"I will be writing to both the Chairman and the Chief Executive of the East Midlands Ambulance Service to strongly encourage them to revisit this decision, which I believe is to the detriment of public health in our area. I hope we can come to a sensible agreement for the Gainsborough ambulance station to remain open."