A CROWD of around 3,000 gathered in the centre of Evesham at the weekend to protest at the proposed downgrading of the town's community hospital.

"It will destroy our wonderful hospital," said the mayor councillor Frances Smith who is leading the action group.

"It is abundantly clear from public response in the number of signatures on the petition forms, nearing 20,000, and 300 letters and emails that the people of the Vale do not support the proposals."

"While accepting the PCT's need to achieve savings and balance their books, the proposals are totally unacceptable and impractical."

Dr Neil Townshend, chairman of the local GP association, described it as a major assault on hospital services, only because the PCT couldn't balance its budget or manage its position.

Terry Singleton, a former stroke patient, said of his treatment at The Willows: "They gave me my life back. They were fantastic."

Alison Brain said she was born in the maternity unit at Avonside and has subsequently worked at the hospital for over 28 years. "What they are trying to do is terrible," she said. "It is not just our jobs we are fighting for but our way of life. No more cuts, keep Evesham hospital alive and growing."

Another stroke patient, Brian Carter said: "The Willows is one of the best in the country. It certainly offered me new life. When you have got something so good, why destroy it? He urged the PCT to admit the proposals were a mistake.

The Rev Clive Parr, Curate at All Saints Church, whose mother was recently in Bredon ward, said: "To think you could possibly provide the same care in the community is clearly ridiculous."

Mid Worcestershire MP Peter Luff said: "The government says it wants the NHS to respond to local people's wishes - well you've made them pretty clear today. You have heard what is at stake, you have heard what wonderful work this hospital and its magnificent staff do, but why is it threatened?"

He explained there were extra costs on all PCTs and hospitals. On top of that was Worcestershire's rotten funding deal, £146 a year less per head than the average, a total of £40m.

"He added: "But the PCT only needs to find £4m to solve its problems. We won't let them destroy Evesham Community Hospital for this tiny sum. Together we can win, our voice will be heard."

The mayor rounded off the rally by urging people not to be complacent and called on as many as possible to attend the PCT meeting on Wednesday, August 3 at 9.30am in the council chamber at Wychavon Civic Centre, Pershore."