Campaigners who fought against the closure of Kidderminster Hospital are now fighting to keep the site earmarked for healthcare.

It has been revealed that Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust is seeking flexibility on future options for the site - which was downgraded after a review.

But Kidderminster Health Concern has accused the Trust of wanting to sell one third of the land in order to build houses.

As Wyre Forest District Council's Local Plan safeguards the site for healthcare only, the issue will be discussed during an inquiry due to be held at the Civic Centre in Stourport on Thursday, October 21.

Malcolm Cooper, vice chairman of Health Concern, says he believes it is the first step on the path to demolition, building housing and so "crippling" any future healthcare developments.

"Why would the Trust want to do this again - sell off for commercial gain, thus crippling any chance of developing more vital hospital services for our area?" he said.

"The district plan must be protected to ensure flexibility remains to develop the health needs of Wyre Forest when the current hospital arrangements are eventually recognised by the powers that be as inadequate and flawed.

"It is appropriate we safeguard the site for future generations and their healthcare needs."

Wyre Forest MP Dr Richard Taylor - who won his place in Parliament by leading the campaign to keep Kidderminster hospital open - has vowed to fight the Trust's plans.

"I can't reveal the detail of what I will say to the inquiry," said Dr Taylor.

"If we lose this, it will put a stop to all the hopes of developing further services but it would not put a stop to the campaign. It is absolutely crucial that we win."

Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust communications manager Richard Haynes said it was opposing the healthcare-only use for the site.