A STUDLEY vicar has come out in support of the campaign against the proposed downgrading of the Alexandra Hospital.

The Rev Richard Deimel said: "The hospital faces losing its A&E department, as well as maternity and child care provision along with other vital services.

''This means people would have to travel to either Birmingham or Worcester. This worries me because I do a lot of pastoral support at the Alex with local families which would be affected, as I would not be able to travel further afield.

''It's hard for ordinary people to understand the financial and political issues in all this but everyone can see the proposed cuts would massively damage the quality of life in Redditch, Studley and surrounding villages.

"I believe part of the healing process is being surrounded by loved ones. Because of the distance, many people will not be able to visit them as often, if at all, especially if you do not have access to a car as a bus journey takes forever from Redditch to Worcester."

The organiser of the website www.savethealex.co.uk, Neal Stote, said: "We are delighted to receive such support and urge all leaders of faith and community groups to back our 'Say No' and associated campaigns.

Following the tremendous public response, the review project board has agreed to put back the start date of any formal public consultation.

Trust chairman Michael O'Riordan admitted any changes to the A&E at the Alexandra would be emotive but he was still continuing to explore possible changes to the way some emergency patients were cared for.

He added: "We remain committed to engaging fully with the community in this challenging but vital exercise."