PLANS to reduce emergency ambulance cover for a border town are being opposed by residents and an MP amid fears that lives could be lost.

North East Ambulance Service bosses are looking at axing one of two emergency ambulances which serve Berwick.

And the move has prompted the town’s MP Sir Alan Beith to set up a petition urging a rethink. More than 160 people have signed to date.

However, the service last night insisted the two vehicles spend only 17% of their time dealing with emergencies.

And it told of plans to replace the axed service with two non-emergency ambulances for the north of the county.

The NEAS currently runs a 24-hour emergency vehicle covering Berwick, alongside a 12-hour service.

But it has now confirmed it is proposing to withdraw the latter.

Berwick Liberal Democrat Sir Alan raised protests with NEAS and the primary care trust, and has sought a meeting with service bosses. He set up a petition on Monday, and by yesterday, 161 people had signed. The MP branded the service’s reply to his concerns “completely unacceptable”.

“It demonstrates a clear failure to recognise the emergency medical needs of patients in the Berwick area and could put lives at risk,” he said.

“There is already heavy reliance on bringing in ambulances from across the Scottish border and from other stations in England when the Berwick crews are tied up in trips to the Wansbeck or Borders Hospitals, which can take two or three hours.

“Leaving Berwick dependent on paramedic crews from a long distance away is below the standard of service which Berwick patients ought to have.”

Last night, a NEAS spokesman claimed the two ambulances only spend 17% of their time dealing with emergencies.

The spokesman said the service plans to replace the 12-hour vehicle with two non-emergency vehicles for the whole of North Northumberland, which will be based at Alnwick.

This, the spokesman said, would free up the remaining ambulance at Berwick to deal with emergencies.

Consultation will take place with staff and the service hopes to implement the changes by April 2013.