Secret proposals to axe all ambulance stations between Shoebury and the M25 are under active consideration, it has been claimed.

Frontline employees believe there are plans to shut ten bases across south Essex as part of a shake-up of the ambulance service.

The move would pave the way for a series of "strategic points" across the region so ambulance crews can respond more swiftly to emergency calls.

Stations at Shoebury, Southend, Canvey, Rayleigh, Billericay, Wickford, Corringham, Basildon, Thurrock and Brentwood could all close under the plans, ambulance crews said.

A spokesman, who refused to be named, said: "It seems like the ambulance service will treat us like animals in the pursuit of improving response times.

"It is believed that three warehouses will be built in this area to house the vehicles, which clearly means the days of us being able to go back to the station to use the toilet or have a cup of tea look long gone.

"We can't eat or drink in the ambulance, so where do we go? What if we have to go to a particularly harrowing accident? It is usual practice for control to send you back to the station to calm down.

"What will happen if these proposals get the go-ahead?"

Victoria Spurr, Essex Ambulance Service spokesman today confirmed 25 strategic points across the county were being looked at.

However, she insisted it was too early to say which, if any, ambulance stations would close. She added: "We are not sure of the final plans yet and it will be around two weeks before they are announced.

"The proposals will be centred on ambulances being best placed to deal with demand and it may be that some of the ambulance stations built in the 1950s are not best placed to achieve this. We are looking at 25 strategic points across the county which can respond to 999 calls quickly, getting people to hospital and saving more lives. These may not necessarily be near existing ambulance stations."

Angry residents will take to the streets on Saturday to fight for Canvey ambulance station.

Scores of people, including local councillors, will march through the town centre waving "Save Canvey Ambulance" placards and handing out leaflets. The march will set off from the junction of Long Road and Furtherwick Road on Canvey at 10.20am.

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