AMBULANCE crews have moved into their new base at Billingham police station.

The crews had been using Billingham Health Centre as a base, but the room was small and did not have a toilet.

In addition, the ambulance had to be parked some distance away which added minutes to the response times and left the vehicle vulnerable to vandalism.

Dave Owen, ambulance service assistant general manager said: "I approached the police, and the result is we have come up with much better facilities for our crews.

"They now have a larger rest room with toilets and are in safer surroundings.

"The move should also mean better response times in this area as the crew now only have a short distance to walk to their vehicle."

Inspector Stuart Micklewright, who is based at Billingham police station, said: "One of the big advantages will be in terms of ambulance response times.

"Furthermore, the crew and their vehicle will be safer because of the secure environment we can offer.

"We recognise we're all in the same business of serving the public and this is one really effective way of doing that.

"We are delighted to have the ambulance crews here."

The Ambulance Service already has its Teesside administrative offices within the Cleveland Police headquarters in Middlesbrough and, more recently, has integrated its emergency control room with the police control.