Sign up to Save The Alex campaign

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THE SAVE The Alex campaign has begun and residents are being urged to sign up to show the strength of feeling about the potential loss of A&E and maternity services.

People can sign the petition online by clicking here

A paper version is available to sign in the Standard's office in Church Green East and in shops and pubs along Unicorn Hill, Church Green and Alcester Street and the Apollo Cinema.

Anyone who would like to have a paper petition should call 01527 588656.

THE LEADER of Redditch Borough Council has pledged to protect services at the Alexandra Hospital.

Coun Bill Hartnett told the Standard: "The council fully appreciates the health service needing to save £50m in Worcestershire as the borough council itself is needing to reduce its budget following significant cuts in central government funding.

"As leader of Redditch Borough Council I know the whole council is committed to protecting the future of the Alex and the essential services it provides to our community.

"I am particularly concerned about hospital closures or proposals to lose the A and E department, as demonstrated at full council this week where we passed a notice of motion around the establishing of a second hub for ambulances in Redditch.

"We will work with Worcestershire NHS and the public to maintain and improve the health service for Redditch."

His opposite number on Bromsgrove District Council Roger Hollingworth said he would be prepared to put party politics aside and join with the Labour leader in Redditch to campaign against the plans.

"I realise there have to be cuts, but if they close A&E, that will be a step too far," he said.

"They are putting money before people’s lives and putting people’s lives in danger and that is not acceptable."

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