A LEGAL challenge to halt the shake-up of health services in Kidderminster is due to be scrapped.

Wyre Forest District Council has taken the decision after branding health bosses "inflexible."

Members are expected to halt a legal bid against acute health care changes at a meeting on Wednesday, September 20.

The council had sought extensive advice on Worcestershire Health Authority's proposals to transfer services including A&E to Worcester Royal Infirmary.

"The decision not to proceed with legal action does not diminish the council's fears or concerns about acute health care services in Wyre Forest and South Shropshire," said Coun Jane Paterson.

"Our campaign to bring back in-patient care and a comprehensive accident and emergency unit will continue."

Worsening nurse shortages and concern over the ability to safely sustain services throughout the winter were listed as reasons for the early transfer of services from Kidderminster.

From Monday, September 18, the last of the planned transfer of services will have taken place with the switch of the A&E.

But the move has provoked anger among councillors and residents who feel their health service has been diminished.

"The movement of services away from Kidderminster Hospital has ripped the heart out of the local community," said council leader, Mike Oborski.

"From Monday, September 18, 2000, Kidderminster Hospital will have been downgraded to a cottage hospital which for a population of 135,000 is totally inadequate.

"The failure of the Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust and Worcestershire Health Authority is a marked deterioration in services to the local community and a serious waste of public money.

"This will be a sad day for the people of Wyre Forest and the surrounding areas."

Coun Oborski has asked for reassurances that there will be enough beds at the new PFI Worcestershire Hospital and that interim services will be safe and adequate.