Ambulance bosses are being called to Whitfield on Monday to explain their reorganisation plans – which could result in no ambulances being based in Dover.

As previously revealed by the Mercury, the South East Coast Ambulance Service Trust is planning to establish a "make ready" depot at Ashford, where ambulances are prepared by specially-trained non-clinical staff, allowing ambulance crews to focus on looking after patients.

Dover could be left with a "response post" where crews can call in if they wish. But it is expected crews would have to start and finish their shifts at the Ashford depot, and they would therefore initially respond to calls from there.

On Monday, August 16, Geraint Davies, director of business development at the South East Coast Ambulance Service, has been asked to explain to members of the district council's scrutiny committee how the new system will work.

Councillors are also expected to ask him about the way the public consultation was carried out. It was held at Folkestone Racecourse, which meant it was difficult for people, especially those replying on public transport, to attend.

Full story in this week's Dover Mercury.