Ambulance services in the West could be merged

The authority has begun a "detailed review" which will lead to either the services themselves or the services' management being merged.

A review will begin in March which will examine the structure and look at the likely effects of integration.

Gloucestershire councillors have raised strong concerns about the plans.

'Strong statement'

In a statement from the Tory group at Shire Hall, which was backed by all parties, they expressed "concern" and asked the authority to "think carefully" about the plans.

Conservative opposition leader Barry Dare said the cross-party motion is a strong statement.

"This sends a very strong message of concern to the authority - which is responsible for the final decision - and it is one that they ignore at their peril."

Trevor Jones, the authority's chief executive, said the review would "help keep our ambulance services among the best".

He added: "There is a huge amount of work being done nationally to look at how ambulance services can play a more central role in delivering emergency care in the NHS."