JACQUI Smith MP has added extra weight to the argument against downgrading the Alexandra Hospital by handing over the Redditch Advertiser's massive petition to health chiefs.

Ms Smith took time out from her hectic schedule on Friday to hand deliver the hefty bundles of petition forms, which carried the signatures of more than 19,000 readers.

Forms have continued to come into our office this week and nearly 19,500 of you have now put your name to our campaign.

Advertiser editor Paul Walker said: "We're very proud of our readers, who rallied to the campaign in such numbers and we're pleased we were able to act as a channel to get the strength of feeling across to hospital managers."

Meanwhile, Redditch Council closed its ballot on Friday, with the count taking place at some of the polling stations across town in the afternoon.

A total of 18,319 residents registered their objections to the proposed cuts, which could include the transfer of the A&E and maternity departments to Worcester.

But 170 people said they did not object to the downgrade, with 221 spoilt papers.