Ambulance stations in Bromyard and Ledbury are to close as a cost-cutting measure.

The decision was taken yesterday (Thursday) by the board of Hereford and Worcester Ambulance Service NHS Trust.

Trust spokesman Jenny Procter said details and timescale are still to be decided but added: "We need to make savings. Money not spent on rates, heating, lighting and other overheads can be spent instead on patient care.

"We are having talks with Herefordshire Primary Care Trust about locating ambulances at community hospitals, which makes a lot of practical and operational sense.

"We can reassure people that we will continue to provide a full emergency ambulance service to the whole county, and will continue to work to find the best way to do this."

In Bromyard, ambulances were actually operating out of the hospital for a brief time this week, following a gas leak at the station.

After the closure threat first emerged, a petition was raised in the town, expressing disquiet at its total loss.

In Ledbury, talks described as positive have been held between the trust and PCT about provide parking for an ambulance at the Community Hospital and facilities for crews.

Stephen Crisp, special care services manager for Shaw Healthcare, operators of the hospital, said ambulance staff and services would be an asset.

He said an ambulance could be garaged anywhere in town when not in use. While waiting for calls, it could be parked outside the hospital.