Chris Carter THE LOOMING elections have cast a shadow over the battle to halt the closure of our A&E department and the cuts to maternity services. We ve probably achieved all we can with regard to pledges from the major parties – Labour health minister Mike O Brien s

Chris Carter

THE LOOMING elections have cast a shadow over the battle to halt the closure of our A&E department and the cuts to maternity services.

We've probably achieved all we can with regard to pledges from the major parties - Labour health minister Mike O'Brien sending the plans to independent review while the Tories insisting they will block any cuts.

Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg stated in a TV interview he was against NHS waste, but would protect key services like A&E.

But we must keep the pressure up on health chiefs so they understand that whatever happens on May 6 the local campaign will go on.

Saturday's march offers another chance to send a clear message over the plans and we urge everyone to join in and make their voices heard.

We need a massive show of strength with hundreds more people taking to the streets. Knock on your neighbour's door, tell them what could happen and urge them to join us.

Let's also flood the borough with Hands Off Our Hospital posters, so, should there be visits by high profile party members, they will have no doubt about the crucial issue here.

The battle goes on, and it's one which, if enough people get behind the campaign, can be won.