A WHITELEY community responder has stood down from his potentially life-saving role after criticism from another resident was posted on the Internet.

Dave Crowther, 44, was outraged when he saw a comment on the village's community association website branding him an "idiot" for the way he was driving to an emergency call out.

Mr Crowther, who says he devotes 5,000 hours each year to the service, was driving to deal with a suspected heart attack near his home in Conrad Gardens.

The Internet post claimed Mr Crowther had been driving too close behind his own vehicle and that there was nothing on the car to indicate he was a responder.

Now Mr Crowther, said he doesn't want to carry on with the role.

He said: "It is the last straw. Now I feel I must relinquish my position to someone else. Everyone is entitled to their opinion but I think this person was exaggerating what happened. That's what hurt me the most. I am very disheartened. I give up a lot of my free time and have forked out £500 of my own money to do this job - but it's just not for me anymore."

Mr Crowther first joined the community responders four years ago and is one of the two-strong team that covers the whole of Whiteley to provide emergency treatment before ambulances arrive. It takes thousands of pounds to train responders and they must raise the funds for the £3,000 kit themselves and use their own cars.

Mr Crowther, also looks after his four children full-time because his wife is terminally ill and in care.

"I did this because I am being supported by the state in the care of my wife, and I felt I should give something back," he said.

Now he says he will only respond to emergencies until someone comes forward to fill his spot on the team.

Whiteley resident and local councillor, Sean Woodward, is urging him not give up, he said: "I would be very sad if as a result of one dispute we lost a service which has saved lives and will save more. They do tremendous work and I would urge Dave to continue."

Keith Boyes, head of community responders for Hampshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust, said Mr Crowther was "extremely conscientious".

"He has provided his personal time for the past four years," he said.

"But there have been frustrations in recruiting. If community members feel they can help in some way this may relieve some of the tension."

Who is the resident who posted the comments on the website? Call the Daily Echo Fareham office on 01329 285503.