MORE than 1,500 people have added their signatures to the Kidderminster Hospital Alliance’s petition.

The group campaigning to protect the town’s hospital from further downgrading or closure collected the names outside Kidderminster Town Hall on Thursday. It takes the total number of signatures to nearly 7,000 in just more than two weeks.

Michael Wrench, a member of the alliance, said people could not believe they were having to fight for hospital services again after the site lost its A&E department 12 years ago.

“People are sending a very strong message that they are prepared to go back out on the streets again,” he added.

“They cannot believe they are having to do it again and they are willing to do it should the need arise.”

Mr Wrench said many residents asked if there would be more public meetings, following those held by Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust in June.

“At the moment we are waiting to hear further information in November but hopefully the alliance will have more details before that and hold our own public meeting,” added Mr Wrench who is also Wyre Forest UK Independence Party (UKIP) Parliamentary Spokesman.

“Most people are quite distressed the hospital could close and until November that remains on the table.”

The alliance group was due to take its petition to St George’s Park on Friday as it continues to gather support while health bosses spend August shortlist the potential models of care for the future of the county’s acute hospitals.

Mr Wrench added: “One thing that is coming across is when we are thanking people for signing the petition, people are thanking us. People are grateful a group of people from different groups are working together for a change.”