WESTMORLAND and Lonsdale MP Tim Farron is urging North West Ambulance Service to stop "dragging their feet" in the search for a new Grange ambulance station.
Last week, it was announced that NWAS was looking for a new home to base their ambulance service in Grange after the unit that had housed the ambulance free of charge for 20 years was reclaimed by its owner.
Mr Farron backs the idea of housing the ambulance service within the existing fire station.
Janet Willis, cabinet member of Cumbria County Council for Fire and Rescue, said: "NWAS has visited Grange Fire Station to assess its suitability for the co-location of the ambulance service.
"Cumbria County Council is happy for NWAS to use the building and we are waiting for NWAS to approach us formally."
While alternative locations are being looked at, the most convenient, and accessible solution would be for the ambulance service to move into the fire station, said Mr Farron.
He said: "This seems like the best solution possible for everyone involved, however, NWAS have been dragging their feet so much that we are at risk of losing the service altogether. Losing Grange ambulance station would cost lives as it would lead to even longer response times.”
Mr. Thomas, a local Grange resident, has spoken on how essential the service is to himself and the community.
"I suffer from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) very badly and if the ambulance wasn't here, I might not be here as time is of the essence when I need medical attention," he said.
READ MORE: 'We need to keep fighting' - MP backs campaign to save ambulance station
"It's not just me who would be affected by this, the whole area needs to keep this service."
In a letter to The Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Steve Barclay, Mr Farron wrote: "Can you offer your guarantee that my constituents will have continuity of service with no hiatus in ambulance provision between the closure of the current and new opening of the new station?"
Earlier this week Mr Farron began a petition to save the service and keep it local.
You can access the petition at Save Grange Ambulance (southlakeslibdems.org.uk)
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