HUNDREDS of campaigners took to the streets of Bromsgrove in protest against threats to local health services.
Protesters marched through the town centre on Saturday morning, to speak out against possible cuts, including the downgrading of services at the Alexandra Hospital, threats to the Brook Haven Mental Health Unit and the re-organisation of Primary Care Trusts.
Bromsgrove and Redditch residents fear they could be forced to travel to Worcestershire Royal Hospital in Worcester for their health care.
The march, organised by the Save the Alex action group, began outside Woolworths in the High Street, before making its way down Church Street, through Churchfields, Recreation Road and back through the High Street.
Nearly 500 signatures were collected, and a graffiti wall was also on display for residents to express their views.
The Save Our Services campaign was first launched by the Advertiser/Messenger with a petition being delivered by hand to 10 Downing Street.
Save the Alex chairman Neil Stote addressed campaigners and said he felt that local people were not being properly considered.
"Local health services are at risk, and we are here because we don't feel we are being listened to," he said.
"The loss of Bromsgrove and Redditch Primary Care Trust will mean we will lose that local health care. Local health care does not equal a 50 mile round trip. Part of the healing process is to have our families at our hospital bed-side, and this won't be possible if we are in Worcester."
Bromsgrove MP, Julie Kirkbride, told campaigners that the Alex was being unfairly targeted.
"Bromsgrove is a small town and our services are being stripped down. The Alex is taking the flak because Worcester is costing too much. We need to speak up and say that we love our town.
"It is a great place to live, but we are entitled to have what we have already paid for."
Head of communications at Worcestershire Acute NHS Trust Richard Haynes said that the Trust was aware of the strength of public feeling, but stressed there weren't any definite proposals for service closure yet.
The campaign is set to continue tonight (March 1), at the Council House in Burcot Lane from 7pm, when residents will get the chance to quiz NHS representatives at a meeting organised by Bromsgrove District Council.
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