CONGLETON people are without back-up 999 cover this week following the dismissal of the leader of the town's First Responders.

Mersey Regional Ambulance Service said it had terminated its agreement with Congleton First Responder co-ordinator Len McGarry "in the interest of patient care."

The decision was greeted with anger by Mr McGarry and members of the town's First Responder group, who have suspended their operations.

The major losers are the people of Congleton, who will not have the benefit of First Responder help in support of paramedics.

The group was set up by Mr McGarry, and has answered more than 250 emergency calls from the public where lives were at risk.

Mr McGarry has organised 31 Heartstart resuscitation training workshops throughout the UK this year, and has instigated the installation of nine defibrillators in Congleton.

Mr McGarry said he was "appalled" at the ambulance service statement that he had been relieved of his role in the interest of patient care.

"The statement infers I am a danger to the public or unfit to uphold the responsible role of running this very important position," he said.

"People who know me will confirm my only aim in setting up the group was to help the professional paramedics and improve patient care in our town.

"Many people have received life-saving treatment from our team, and I have received letters of congratulation praising our professional action and attitude.

"We carry out this work because we care and want to make a difference to the quality of life of local people.

"I'm confident where we have been involved the chain of survival has been extended."

Following Mr McGarry's dismissal the group agreed to suspend its responder activities while it considers its position "in the hope a successful resolution can be found."

Group member Douglas Parker said Mr McGarry had always acted in the best interests of the group and the people of Congleton.

"I would like to think he could be reinstated as co-ordinator," he said.

The ambulance service said responder volunteers worked under a formal agreement with the trust, which either party was at liberty to terminate.

"In this case the trust has chosen to exercise its right with Mr McGarry in the interest of patient care," said a spokesman.