PEOPLE POWER THE ONLY WAY TO SAVE NHS SERVICES

10.14.51pm UTC (GMT +0000) Mon 27th Aug 2007

Littlehampton Hospital site

A call to residents of Littlehampton to stand up and be counted on the debate about future NHS provision for the Littlehampton area has been made by local Liberal Democrat Councillors. The call comes from local councillor Nick Wiltshire leader of the Lib Dem group on Littlehampton Town Council and Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Bognor Regis and Littlehampton Simon McDougall.

Mr Wiltshire said" After the poor turn out by local residents at the last public meeting on Littlehampton hospital and Worthing A&E services the last thing we need is another empty hall in front of the West Sussex Primary Care Trust on the 20th September. We aim to hold a demonstration march on the 20th September from 6.00pm at the Littlehampton Town Council offices marching through Beach road to the Windmill theatre to highlight just how concerned local residents are on these important issues".

Mr McDougall who is also leader of the opposition on Arun District Council said "Last year I along with several colleagues led a march in Bognor Regis to stop downgrading of A&E services at St Richard's hospital and will do the same on the 12th September. I will not let the divide and rule mentality of the PCT win the day. Wherever I go I hear the same constant message,re-build Littlehampton Hospital,stop the downgrading of St Richard's and Worthing hospital A&E services and guarantee the future of the Zachary Merton for localised services. With populations along the south east likely to grow significantly over the next few years and no prospect of improvements to the A27 road network this is a battle no community locally can afford to lose. The only way to ensure this battle is won is by sheer weight of public numbers at the march and the public meeting that follows. I have been an active campaigner all of my adult life and firmly believe this is the only message that will get through to the government and the PCT. A poor turn out on this occasion will only have a detrimental effect on future NHS provision in Littlehampton"