CLOSING Bedford’s 999 emergency call centre will mean a worse service for the public, health union Unison has warned after service bosses said the controversial cuts would go ahead.

The public-sector union said experienced staff would leave the service due to having to relocate, resulting in the loss of valuable specific local knowledge.

After East of England Ambulance Service’s initial closure announcement last September led to an outcry from staff, local politicians and the public health bosses opened a review of the decision in February.