Campaigners fighting to retain services at Crawley Hospital are seeking an urgent meeting with new Health Secretary Alan Milburn after winning crucial support from health watchdogs.

More than 120 members of the Crawley

Hospital Campaign cheered and clapped when the Mid Downs Community Health Council voted unanimously to refer the row to Mr Milburn.

There has been uproar since Surrey and Sussex NHS Trust unveiled plans to move maternity and casualty services to East Surrey Hospital at Redhill.

Chris Earnell, treasurer of the campaign to retain services at Crawley, said: "We have requested an appointment with Mr Milburn and we are waiting to hear.

"The vote by the CHC was an excellent achievement, but it doesn't stop here."

CHC chairman Bryan Jones said: "The letter will be sent to Mr Milburn as soon as possible.

"I hope it will be sent by Friday of this week."

Richard Green, 59, of Pound Hill, Crawley, said: "I feel it was a great meeting. I just hope and pray that the health minister takes notice of what was said.

"I am proud to among people who have fought so long for this to take place."

There was standing room only at the meeting, which was attended by many wearing the Crawley Hospital Campaign's red and white battle colours.

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