A GROUP opposing the closure of Northwich Victoria Infirmary's two inpatient wards now has 12,000 signatures of support on its petition.

The Save our Northwich Inpatients Campaign (SONIC) is hoping the NHS authorities will take note and respect residents' views.

The number of signatures collected is more than a fifth of the town's population.

Liam Byrne, member of the SONIC organising committee, said:

"First we would like to thank the thousands who signed our petition for their support. They could not be clearer in what they are demanding.

"They do not want the wards to close at the Victoria.

At the meeting, we were also interested to hear more about the new 30-bed hospital the authorities intend to open in Winsford.

"This will cost about £2million to commission which is about the same amount required to bring the Victoria Infirmary building up to modern standards."

He added: "Why, people are now asking, are the authorities prepared to get rid of loyal and capable staff and write off the excellent tradition of loving care built up over decades when this could be avoided by investing in Northwich?"

A spokesman from Mid Cheshire Trust said: "Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Trust would like to reassure local people that proposals affecting inpatient services at Victoria Infirmary aim to secure, not threaten, the quality of patient care and the hospital's future."

Stephen Eames, the trust's chief executive said: "The cost of bringing the two wards in question up to the same standard as other parts of the Victoria Informary would cost an estimated £3.5m, not £2m as suggested.

"We believe that money could be better invested in services that meet the needs of our patients more effectively.''