HEALTH experts today slammed a Government decision to merge Lancashire's top-rated ambulance service with "poor" neighbours.

They fear patients in the county could lose out with Lancashire's excellent service watered down to cover shortcomings in neighbouring areas.

The concerns were raised as the Government confirmed Lancashire would join with Cheshire, Cumbria, Merseyside and Greater Manchester to form a North West-wide ambulance service.

And it came as a new scorecard gave Lancashire and Greater Manchester full marks but criticised the authoriies which cover Cumbria and Merseyside and Cheshire.

The scoring system replaces the old star' system, which saw Lancashire and Greater Manchester get top marks, three stars, but Merseyside no stars and Cumbria one star.

The Government says there will be less bureacracy and also more cash for investment.