SUPPORTERS begged Redbridge Council to show their support for an A&E department which faces closure.

People will be marching to show their support for King George Hospital, in Barley Lane, Goodmayes, on March 18.

The decision to shut the A&E department in 2019 was made in 2011, but protestors argue this is out-dated and does not take the growing population into account.

Speaking at a meeting on Monday night, campaigner Andy Walker said: “If you close A&E, bed blockages could increase up 100 per cent.

“If A&E closes at the King George Hospital it will definitely end in higher mortality rates.”

Activists requested that the council display a banner at Redbridge Town Hall to raise awareness of the demonstration so more people would attend next month.

Council leader Jas Athwal showed his support for the demonstration, but advised that he was not qualified to decide whether the banner should be shown.

He said: “It is a listed building, and we must abide by the same rules we ask of residents.

“Ill health comes to us all and we all need that care, whatever that care may be.

“I will be pleased to represent the council at this event.”