An ambulance response post - the first in Sussex - has been set up at Lancing Fire Station to answer emergency calls in the town and areas east of Worthing.

The Fire Station, which is on the Churchill Industrial Estate and continues to operate in the usual way, now has ambulances and response cars on stand by at certain times.

It provides facilities for ambulance staff to use between calls and is well placed geographically to best serve this busy area.

The key response post is one of a number being introduced across Sussex to provide rapid emergency cover in busy areas without a traditional ambulance station.

It underlines the close working relationship between West Sussex County Council Fire and Rescue Service and Sussex Ambulance Service.

Said Lionel Barnard , County Council Cabinet Member for Public Protection: "This further link between the two Services consolidates the strong ties that have been created over recent years."

Philip Hamerton , Sussex Ambulance Locality Manager, Worthing area, said: "We have attended almost 250 emergency calls in the past month in Lancing alone.

"To be able to use Lancing Fire Station as a response post will be a big help for us to continue to improve our response times in this area and provide an even better service to our patients.

"I am very grateful to the Fire Service for their help and co-operation in setting this up."

Mark Osborne , West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service District Commander, Adur and Worthing, said: "This new and exciting initiative marks the start of greater partnership working between our two Services.

"We extend a warm welcome to Sussex Ambulance Crews to Lancing Community Fire Station."

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