HUNDREDS of lives will be put at risk if plans go ahead to close the Bransford Ambulance Control Centre, according to worried staff.

Emergency calls could be answered up to 61 miles away, at centres in Stafford, or Brierley Hill, if West Mercia Ambulance Service proposals go ahead.

A similar centre, in Shrewsbury, could also close, though a smaller one in Leamington Spa will continue to operate. The 28 Emergency and Urgent calls staff, who keep the centre running 24-hours-a-day, 365 days-a-year, would all be moved to the two new centres.

The news has come as a huge blow to workers, who fear the closure could put patients' lives in danger.

Emergency call taker Alex Emanuel, aged 27, said: "We speak to people from all over the place, many people call 999 from a mobile phone, and don't know where they are. We know the area well, so can find their location quickly and get crews out to them.

"If the centre closes, that local knowledge will be lost. Time is crucial in many cases and every second can mean life or death."

She said local staff could also advise ambulance crews on which routes to avoid, and shortcuts to take. Fellow call taker Alison Ball said the rapid response patients receive now will be lost.

The centre, which has been in Bransford for 12 years, takes calls from a radius of 1,512 square-miles, with a population of 722,500.

Chief Executive of the Ambulance Service Trust Board, Anthony Marsh, said the move would significantly improve' the service offered to patients as there would be more clinical support available in the new centres.

A final decision will be made on October 9 following consultation.