MORE than 500 extra people have signed a petition against the potential closure of a hospital's A&E and maternity facilities after a day of protest.

Campaigners against NHS Redbridge's plans to downgrade King George Hospital, in Goodmayes, organised a demonstration today (January 9) outside Ilford Town Hall.

Organiser Wilson Chowdhry said: “The event was very, very successful. We collected over 500 signatures. Many people were made aware for the first time of the threat to the A&E and maternity services. It's surprising how many people aren't aware.”

Redbridge Carnival Queen Kajul Pahl helped with the group's petition, and the event was attended by council leader Keith Prince, Ilford's two MPs Lee Scott and Mike Gapes, and over 60 protesters.

Campaigners are angry at NHS plans to remove the A&E department at King George, the only general hospital in the borough, in favour of upgrading Queen's Hospital, in Romford.

Mr Chowdhry said: “The British Medical Journal have uncovered evidence that an increase of up to 10 kilometres can have an effect of increasing fatality rates by up to one per cent. That's too much for anyone to bare. It could be the make or break of someone's life.

“This winter, King George, Whipps Cross, and Queen's all have A&Es that can't cope. We will be relentless in our protest against this closure. This isn't a luxury, it's a necessity.”