by Alan Smith

ajsmith@thekmgroup.co.uk

Ambulance stations across the county could close as part of a new policy being developed by the South East Coast Ambulance Service NHS Trust.

Cranbrook, Tunbridge Wells, Tonbridge and Sevenoaks would be among the first to close under a new strategy called "Make Ready" with Maidstone ambulance station earmarked for closure at a later date.

Instead Paddock Wood would become the central re-supply depot, with ambulance crews positioned on standby at various locations across the area.

The move has been condemned by Sir John Stanley, MP for Tonbridge and Malling, who said: "The closure of local ambulance stations is bound to reduce the adequacy and timeliness of ambulance cover and will put patients at risk."

The ambulance trust, SECAmb, said it was "in discussions" about how to roll out the initiative, but denied that any decision on station closures had yet been made.

• For the full story, see Friday's Kent Messenger