THE fuel crisis in the Vale is likely to get worse before it gets better with many crucial services facing disruption.

Nearly all the area's filling stations are dry and West Mercia Police, heading the multi-agency response to the crisis, was yesterday (Wednesday) unable to say when fresh supplies would arrive.

Deputy Chief Constable Peter Neyroud said: "If there is no significant change in the fuel situation in the immediate future lives could be at risk."

Emergency services in Evesham have fuel for urgent callouts, but police, fire, ambulance and health services and local authorities are all prepared for problems.

There is concern retained firemen who rely on their own transport to reach isolated stations may not be able to respond to 999 calls.

Emergency ambulance services are running, but patient transport for non-urgent hospital treatment is suspended.

Hospitals throughout Worcestershire cancelled non-urgent operations and will review the position today at noon (Thursday). Outpatients should call 0800 0644101 for further information.

Hospitals can expect disrupted waste collection and deliveries of drugs and laundry.

Supplying oxygen to people at home may also be threatened by the middle of next week.

Social services are feeling the pressure, with many of Worcestershire County Council's home-care providers running out of fuel.

Harvington's Jo Clarke who runs 'Someone Cares' which looks after 400 elderly people, said many clients would be on their own if fuel supplies did not resume soon.

Mrs Clarke, who can be contacted on 01386 871323, said: "We're in dire straits. We need either petrol or volunteers to help us get to our very dependent clients."

The county's WRVS Meals on Wheels service also sent out an SOS. Food services manager Jayne Stock said it could grind to a halt as early as tomorrow.

She said: "Anyone in the county with petrol in their tanks, willing to deliver meals, is urged to contact me on 01905 610911 as soon as possible."

Bulk buying could lead to food shortages, although local supermarkets remain well stocked at the moment.

Shools and colleges are monitoring the situation closely.

David Blades, principle at Evesham College, gave the typical summary of the situation.

He said only a handful of the 2,000 staff and students had been affected but he felt the situation could become more problematic.

On a positive note Evesham Police praised the patience of motorists who queued at petrol stations earlier this week.

Town beat manager PC Paul Adams said most had accepted the £10 limit set by garages and he heard of only a few people immediately rejoining the back of the queue after putting £10 of petrol in their vehicles.

"In the main people have been very good," he said.

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