Banbury Town Council is standing shoulder to shoulder with the ‘Save the Horton’ campaigners in a bid to prevent the downgrading of the Horton General Hospital in Banbury.

The ‘Hands of the Horton’ protest banner has been displayed on the town hall balcony to show their support and the depth of feeling that this issue generates.

Conservative and Labour councillors are working together in an effort to stop Oxford University Hospitals Trust from reducing the Horton’s maternity ward to midwife led, 24-hour children’s ward and cutting A&E services.

Kieron Mallon, leader of the town council and Tory group leader, said: “This isn’t the first time that services at the Horton have been under threat.

“Nearly 20 years ago the town came together to fight similar proposed cuts at the Horton and in 2008, after a long-running battle, we prevented the trust from carrying out its plan.

“Now, the trust is trying again to take major services away from the Horton and force local people to travel to Oxford for treatment.

“Banbury is the biggest town in Oxfordshire and a fully-serviced hospital is a necessity, not a luxury.

“This council will do everything it can to make the trust understand this.”

Steve Kilsby, Labour group leader, said: “The proposed cuts make no sense and will put the health and safety of townspeople and village residents at risk.

“Even the trust’s own medical staff are saying the planned cuts are a bad idea.”

“The council is united in its support for the Save the Horton action group.”

The head of the Save the Horton group, Keith Strangwood said: “The support of the town council is a big positive for the campaign.

“Knowing we have the active backing of our local council gives everyone a boost and can only help in our fight to keep essential services at the Horton.”

There will be a photo shoot outside the Town Hall at 12 noon on Sunday (21/8)..

This follows the main protest ‘Hands around the Horton’ which starts at 10.30am at the Oxford Road entrance of the Horton hospital.