Councillors want to find out more before deciding whether to back the fight to save hospital

Mary Guppy (left) and Giuliana Foster were invited down to the Houses of Parliament last week to talk to health bosses about the propsoed closure.

Town health campaigners say 4,000 people have signed a petition calling for Feilding Palmer hospital in town to be saved from NHS cuts.

And at a town council meeting on Tuesday night, they asked councillors to show their support for the petition.

But councillors who spoke said it was too early to make an informed decision, arguing they needed more information from the NHS.

‘Save the hospital’ campaigner Mary Guppy had said to councillors: “We want to gain your support. We want to know how you’re going to help with our campaign against the proposed closure of our wonderful hospital.”

She said a growing Lutterworth needed “a local hospital for local people” - and that 4,000 people and local MP Alberto Costa supported their campaign.

Petition creator Martin Sarfas added: “We’re doing everything we can, as a community, to keep the hospital open.”

But councillors responded that they needed more information from the NHS before making a decision.

Cllr David Gair said: “I do not know at the moment what provision is being made to replace the hospital.”

Cllr Janette Ackerley said: “It’s great to see so many people at this meeting. We are all very concerned about the health position for all our residents.”

Cllr Tony Hirons said the council would invite health officials to a future town council meeting to present plans.

After the meeting, Mrs Guppy said: “The town council really needs to do more homework on this. We’re very disappointed at their response so far.”