COUNCILLORS at Cotswold District Council have voiced their support of a motion to call for better ambulance response times in the Cotswolds.

As previously reported, new figures presented at the last Gloucestershire’s latest Health Scrutiny committee meeting show ambulances have been taking longer to get to patients in the Cotswolds then anywhere else in the region.

Members unanimously agreed at their meeting yesterday (Thursday) to press the ambulance service to meet its targets, following a motion put forward by Councillor Paul Hodgkinson.

Cllr Hodgkinson, who is also Gloucestershire County Councillor for Bourton and Northleach, said he was pleased the whole council got behind him.

"It's very clear from residents that they want a better deal and that they need to be able to rely on the same level of service as nearby big towns," he said.

"I hope that my call will lead to positive changes in the ambulance response times."

The Chief Executive will now be writing to the ambulance trust calling for improvements to be made.

Councillor Lynden Stowe, leader of Cotswold District Council, said the ambulance service is "currently not fit for purpose" and Cotswold residents deserve better.