MEETING VIEWS: THE opening paragraph of the article about a meeting at Stanhope over changes to rural ambulance services (Echo, July 25) gives the impression that all of the changes are supported throughout Weardale.

This is not the case as witnessed by two crowded meetings in St John's Chapel and a petition of 1,500 residents which strongly opposed the closure of its ambulance station.

The meeting in Stanhope was attended by only 34 people, including representatives of the PCT PPI (Primary Care Trust Patient and Public Involvement) forum, ambulance PPI forum, other health careworkers and the Press.

While the change from standby to a 24/7 system and the new role for paramedics in the community were welcomed there was disagreement about the location of the station. Two residents expressed support for the move to Stanhope and two residents of the upper dale opposed the move.

Other questions asked were mainly about the details of the service.

In the upper dale, most of the services are dependent on the critical mass provided by large settlements. The Durham Dales PPI Forum strongly argues that emergency health care should be provided on the basis of individual need irrespective of where one lives. - Jean Heatherington, Durham Dales PPI Forum