Market Drayton Ambulance Station will be manned 24 hours a day from today in a bid to drive down response times.

The move will see the station in Maer Lane, which is currently open for 12 hours a day, double its staffing.

The station currently runs with a vehicle and a team of six staff. The move has created six jobs.

Ambulance service bosses said the new opening times means an ambulance would be stationed in Market Drayton at all times to respond to medical emergencies throughout the night, rather than calling in ambulances from outside the town.

Chris Kowalik, spokesman for West Midlands Ambulance Service, said the move would provide much-needed extra cover in Market Drayton.

He said: “An ambulance is now operating around the clock from Market Drayton Ambulance Station, whereas previously it only operated for 12 hours a day, meaning at night an ambulance would have been called in from elsewhere in the county.

“West Midlands Ambulance Service has been looking at patterns of demand and there is evidence more cover in the area was needed at night.

“It means there will now be an improved service to Market Drayton and surrounding areas during the night.”

He added he was thrilled the move had created six jobs in the town.