CAMPAIGNERS were out in force to mark the closure of another community hospital this week.

On Monday over 150 people attended a rally and demonstration at Bradford on Avon hospital, which will close its doors for the last time tomorrow (Saturday). The main aims of the protest, organised by the Bradford on Avon Health Care Project Group and the hospital's League of Friends, were to show appreciation for what the hospital has done over the past 70 years and to send a positive message that closure does not need to be the end of health care on the hospital site.

Vicky Landell Mills, chairman of the health project group, said: "I was very pleased with the turnout, especially because of the horrible weather. "The hospital has been very much a part of the town community, and we didn't want to let it close without showing our appreciation. "We do not expect it to re-open again, but we would like to see it used for health facilities such as supported housing."

Following the rally at the hospital site, a number of protestors braved the heavy rain and congregated in Westbury Gardens to collect more signatures for a petition that will be sent to Health Secretary Patricia Hewitt.

The petition criticises the decision to close the hospital and seeks support for the development of the site for health and social care.

Dr James Heffer, a GP at the Bradford on Avon health centre, is angry at the closure, but keen for positive action to be taken. "We have had a valued and valuable service taken away without consultation and without any clear indication of what will replace it," he said. "The blame for this extraordinary situation sits squarely with NHS management. It is for us to make our views known yet again in the consultation that the PCT intends to launch on April 7. If necessary we should consider purchasing the site and steering its development ourselves."

Campaigner Allan Sturmey, speaking after the Bradford rally, said he was hopeful proposals for the hospital site will be listened to. He said: "We had a good turnout and I'm very pleased, hopefully we can change things."

The cash-strapped West Wiltshire Primary Care Trust took the decision to close down the hospital to inpatients last year, but an outpatient service has continued at the hospital until now.

The trust is due to carry out a sweeping review of all health services in the region, which could see further hospital closures.