The nearest rapid ambulance will be more than 17 miles away

Lynton may no longer have its rapid response ambulance in April under proposals being considered by Westcountry Ambulance Service.

North Devon MP Nick Harvey said the idea was "potentially disastrous".

The ambulance trust says it is continuing to consult with the public and other groups about emergency cover across the South West.

'Dangerous place'

Lynton is about 20 miles (32km) from Barnstaple and 17 miles (27km) from Ilfracombe, the two nearest big towns.

In recent years it has lost its hospital and although a cottage hospital may be re-opened, that will not be for at least two years.

Liberal Democrat MP Mr Harvey said: "Lynton and nearby Lynmouth have lost 24-hour cover from their own GPs, they have lost their hospital, and now face losing a rapid response vehicle with a paramedic in it.

"With all of that gone, it's becoming a very dangerous place to live."

Westcountry Ambulance Service said it was considering the proposal, and added it would be consulting with MPs, scrutiny committees and the public in coming weeks.