Bognor residents on the march to save hospital

The slogan 'St Richard's saves lives, long drives don't' dominated a large placard carried by Pam Clark (67), of Chichester Road, North Bersted, on the protest march through the town centre.

Mrs Clark's homemade effort was joined by hundreds of balloons, flags and banners as the protestors made their feelings known about plans which could see St Richard's Hospital's A and E and maternity units downgraded.

One of the youngest present was Paige Scutt (3), of Gibson Way, Bognor. She was pushed along carrying a St Richard's campaign flag by her dad, Stuart.

He said: "Paige was born at the hospital. They did such a good job for us. It would be tragic to lose that service and to have to go somewhere else."

Also among about 600 marchers was Bognor RFC official Lisa Molyneaux (37), of Hillsboro Road, Bognor, and her daughter, Scarlett (8). Mrs Molyneaux said: "The club have had to use the A and E facilities at St Richard's a few times. I can't imagine what would happen if we had to go further afield."

The Esplanade resident Maree Bradshaw (57) said the government owed a duty of care to people to provide good hospital services. "There are more houses going into North Bersted and Felpham. The hospital at Portsmouth is at full stretch now. How on earth are people going to survive anything happening to St Richard's?," she asked.

A police estimate put the numbers on the march at between 500 and 600. Those present walked from the London Road car park to the Place St Maur for a rally addressed by local MP Nick Gibb before an NHS consultation meeting in the neighbouring Alexandra Theatre.

Members of the public are being urged to join Bognor Regis area councillors to put NHS bosses on the spot on Wednesday, September 18. A special meeting about the proposed health service changes is being held at 7pm at the Arun Leisure Centre in Felpham.