A MASSIVE 140 case studies will be put before European lawyers in the fight to restore services to Kidderminster General Hospital.

Campaigner Louise Edginton has been deluged with phone calls and letters since it was revealed three weeks ago that she had secured a case with the European Court of Human Rights.

The evidence will now be sent to a court registrar in Strasbourg, who will decide if the matter can be put before judges.

Coun Edginton, who represents Habberley and Blakebrook on Worcestershire County Council, said she was overwhelmed by the response.

"I'd like to thank those who have contacted me with their experiences of the hospital," she said.

"However, I'm still interested in receiving calls and letters with any current problems that could be useful in future."

She is banking on a Euro ruling to state that services must be returned to Kidderminster.

She stressed that Worcestershire Health Authority, architect of the county health shake-up, would have to act upon such a verdict.

Kidderminster was downgraded in September last year, with the loss of its A&E and in-patient services.

Coun Edginton secured her case by citing the example of John Jones, whose fear of death if taken to hospital in Worcester, came true earlier this year.

Mr Jones, aged 69, who lived within five minutes of Kidderminster General, owed his life to previously being treated at the site for a heart attack - but he feared he would die if hehad to be transported to Worcester and wrote to Prime Minister Tony Blair to stop the downgrading.

His grave prophecy came true in February, after he arrived at Ronkswood Hospital, 50 minutes after an ambulance was called to his home.

He died 20 minutes after arriving at the coronary care unit.

Anyone with other examples can write to Coun Edginton at The Quay Cottage, 7c Severnside North, Bewdley, DY12 2EE, or call 01299 403858.