CAMPAIGNERS staged a candlelit vigil outside the Alexandra Hospital to protest at plans to transfer vital services to Worcester.

More than 40 residents turned out with their candles on Thursday night, hoping the Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust board will see the light and reject the proposed money-saving cutbacks.

Organiser Neal Stote, who launched the campaign, said: "It went very well. As well as the 40 or more people who turned out, there were a lot of cars about at that time and motorists showed their support by honking their horns as they drove past.

"It forced trust chief executive John Rostill to come and make a statement.

''The more we can put trust members in the media spotlight the better because what happens behind closed doors is dangerous."

On Friday, doctors at the Alex put forward their plan to ''de-merge'' the hospital from the parent trust.

But at Thursday's vigil prior to the presentation of the plan, Mr Rostill said the idea was ''not realistic".

He said all trusts were being examined to see if they met the criteria for foundation status, which frees them from Government control.

"Worcestershire Acute Hospitals Trust is in financial difficulty and until we have resolved that issue, it will not be suitable for foundation status.

"I therefore find it quite surprising that anybody might believe the Alex at this stage would be so suitable."

Mr Stote, of Greenlands, said he was concerned trust board members were rejecting ideas before they had been properly considered.

"At this stage, they should not pooh-pooh any ideas that could save the Alex."

He is also urging residents to once again turn out in force for a protest march on Saturday, January 7 at 11am.

Protesters will walk from Redditch Town Hall to the Strategic Health Authority offices at Osprey House on Prospect Hill.

"We have to keep the momentum going. The only way we can do this is by continuing these protest events and keeping the pressure on," said Mr Stote.