HUNDREDS of campaigners took to the streets in a second protest march against the proposed downgrading of the Alexandra Hospital.

Protesters marched through Bromsgrove town centre on Saturday to speak out against possible cuts, including the loss of services at the Alex and shake-up of the Primary Care Trusts.

The march, organised by the savethealex action group, began outside Woolworth's in the High Street before making its way up Church Street, through Churchfields, down Recreation Road and back through the High Street.

Nearly 500 names were collected and a graffiti wall was on display for residents to express their views.

Campaign leader Neal Stote addressed campaigners saying: "Our health services are at risk and we're here because we don't feel we're being listened to.

"Part of the healing process is to have our families at our hospital bedside and this won't be possible if we are in Worcester."

Bromsgrove MP Julie Kirkbride told protesters the hospital was being unfairly targeted.

"The Alex is taking the flack because Worcester is costing too much.

"We need to speak up and say we love our town.

"It is a great place to live and we are entitled to have what we have already paid for."

Head of communications at Worcestershire Acute NHS Trust Richard Haynes said the trust was aware of the strength of public feeling but stressed there were not any definite proposals for service closure yet.