HUNDREDS of people angry about threatened hospital cuts are expected to attend a mass meeting in Evesham Public Hall tomorrow.

The open briefing meeting at 7pm is aimed at giving people more information about the proposed closures at Evesham Community Hospital.

Chief executive of the South Worcestershire Primary Care Trust Mike Ridley is proposing a £4m cost-cutting plan which includes the closure of two wards at the hospital. The Willows stroke unit and Bredon orthopaedic would go with the loss of 38 beds and over 40 jobs. The GP services would be withdrawn from Izod ward.

Following the announcement of the proposals, GPs, nurses, the League of Friends and other supporters of the hospital rallied round to fight the cuts, backed by MPs Peter Luff and Sir Michael Spicer, and an action group was formed.

Frances Smith, mayor of Evesham and chairman of the League of Friends, who is one of the leaders of the campaign, said: "The hospital has the backing of the community. People will fight to keep these vitally needed services in Evesham."

Tomorrow campaigners will talk to people at the Public Hall meeting when speakers will include Mrs Smith, Mr Luff and a local doctor. Hundreds of concerned people from Evesham and the surrounding villages are expected to give their support to the campaign.

Two weeks later, at 12noon on Sunday, July 17, thousands of people are expected at a rally in Evesham's Market Square to demonstrate the community's opposition to the proposed cuts.

June and Terry Singleton, of St Andrew's Road, Hampton, are throwing their weight behind the campaign as a result of their personal association with The Willows.

Mr Singleton, aged 62, had a severe stroke on May 7 last year and was in Worcestershire Royal Hospital for 10 days before being transferred to the Cedars ward at Newtown, described by Mrs Singleton as very overcrowded and short of staff. She was able to get her husband transferred to The Willows which, she said, had the reputation for being the best stroke unit for miles around.

"Immediately we walked in we could tell it was very professional, caring and full of people who knew all about what we were going through," she said.

"Terry was in there seven months and all that time he was encouraged and helped and I just can't praise the staff enough. He is doing brilliantly now."

Mrs Singleton added: "I just can't believe they are even considering closure of such a wonderful place. We are certainly doing all we can to support the campaign because we know just how vital it is that the hospital stays as it is."