PLACARDS appeared in gardens all around Pershore as residents called on the government to stop a trade deal they say will result in the selling off of the NHS.

More than 100 people in the West Worcestershire constituency, which includes Pershore, have joined the nationwide campaign against the transatlantic trade and investment partnership, known as TTIP - a deal between the US and EU to remove trade barriers, which is being negotiated privately.

The fear of the campaigners is the agreement will see private companies able to privatise services like the NHS more easily.

To show their support for the campaign, asking David Cameron to use his veto to get the NHS out of the deal, placards emblazoned with Cameron & Hunt, Stop The Sale, were put up in Pershore gardens on Tuesday, March 3.

Michael Bunch, of Mayfield Road, is taking part in the action. He said: "My care from the NHS has always been good, but I’m worried about privatisation because look at the mess that it’s made of our railways. We don’t want to have the same disaster happen to our health service."

Sue Nutting, of Station Road, added: "The NHS is an old institution that should be protected and remain free at the point of need."

Despite their fears though Harriett Baldwin, the MP for West Worcestershire, said the deal would not mean the government no longer public services.

"The transatlantic trade and investment partnership deal will add £10 billion to the national economy which is the equivalent of £400 per household," said Mrs Baldwin.

"It will help local companies to benefit from exploiting transatlantic markets including Morgan Motors and Metrasens, which both do a huge amount of business in the United States.

"The NHS is an organisation that touches us throughout our lives at crucial points. I'm utterly committed to the NHS - a world class health service free at the point of use.

"TTIP will not change the fact that the UK Government decides how to run public services, including the NHS, but it will help to create more jobs, more choice and reduced prices."