A TASK force has been established to identify problems facing Wiltshire's failing ambulance service, in a bid to help the troubled trust turn its performance round.

It has been another worrying year for the service, which failed to get any stars in the recent performance ratings from the Healthcare Commission and was named among the worst in the country for response times.

Allegations of bullying, low morale and financial problems have added to the pressure on ambulance chiefs, and now county and district councillors have formed a health scrutiny task group to look at the situation in more detail.

The decision follows a recent presentation to councillors on the health overview and scrutiny committee by chief executive of Wiltshire Ambulance Trust Tim Skelton, who said improvements were already being made.

However, many members felt they should keep a closer eye on the service, and four councillors will sit in the task group, which will begin a series of meetings in September.

"There have been concerns for some time," said its chairman, Councillor Mollie Groom.

"They specifically relate to response times, the capacity of the service to reach those in rural communities and how the trust will continue to improve into 2005.

"We want to be objective and collaborative - we know there are reasons for the problems and want to get to the bottom of them, for the benefit of everyone in Wiltshire."

Over the coming months, the group will call a range of witnesses, from service commissioners at the primary care trust to patients' representatives, and staff including paramedics and those employed at the ambulance trust's headquarters.

Mr Skelton will also face more questions, and the group will study reports written by independent inspection bodies, including the Healthcare Commission, as well as the trust's own action plan.

The councillors hope to complete their report by the end of the year and will send their findings to the department of health, as part of the nationwide review of ambulance services.

"We also want to hear from members of the public, to ensure their views are incorporated," said Mrs Groom.

"We think it's important everyone has the chance to have their say on this important issue."

Views or comments should be sent to Jo Naylor, health scrutiny officer, at Wiltshire county council, on 01225 713004, or e-mail jonaylor@wiltshire.gov.uk, by Friday, September 3.