HUNDREDS of protesters took to the streets last Saturday to show their strength of feeling about the possible downgrading of the Alexandra hospital, which serves the people of Bromsgrove.

About 230 residents took part in the march in Redditch, which started at the town hall with speeches from local MP Jacqui Smith and Conservative party spokeswoman Karen Lumley.

The protest was held despite a recent U-turn by health chiefs to save the hospital's A&E department. The maternity, paediatrics and gynaecology departments are still under threat.

Campaigners marched towards the offices of the Strategic Health Authority (SHA) in Prospect Hill. The SHA will be the first port of call for complaints made against decisions made on the future of the Alex. On the return march, protesters had the chance to write their feelings about the matter on a special graffiti wall at St Stephen's Church.

March organiser Neal Stote, who has been running the savethealex campaign, said: "The march was a success and a clear message has been sent to the Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust and the SHA that users of the hospital will not lay down and accept cuts in local health care.

"If cuts in paediatrics and maternity were allowed to happen, it would mean mums-to-be would have to travel to Worcester and if your child injured itself and had to stay in you would be sent to Worcester and the children's ward at the hospital would close."

Forthcoming campaign events include a second protest march at the Alex on February 2 at 12.30pm and a public meeting at Redditch Town Hall on February 8 at 7.30pm. Trust representatives John Rostill and Michael O'Riordan will both attend this session. Jacqui Smith will also be meeting with Secretary of State for Health Patricia Hewitt today (Wednesday).