THE future of Bicester's promised community hospital still lies in the balance following a meeting with a Government health minister.

North Oxfordshire MP Tony Baldry, Bicester mayor John Cozens and councillors Les Sibley and Rose Stratford met Health Minister Ivan Lewis to discuss the 30-bed NHS hospital Bicester was promised in 1998.

Representatives from the Oxfordshire Primary Care Trust - which is looking at replacing the town's ageing 12-bed cottage hospital with a high-tech primary care centre - also attended.

But following the meeting at Westminster, it is still not clear whether Bicester will get its hospital.

Mr Sibley, leader of the Save Our Community Hospital campaign, said: "We explained and outlined to Ivan why the proposal should be given proper consideration - using the Wychavon 26-bed community hospital in Worcestershire as an example. The meeting was very good.

"He listened to everything we had to say."

Ally Green, head of communications and public engagement for the PCT, said: "We had a constructive meeting.

"The PCT is continuing to work on the business base for Bicester Hospital and community health services, and is engaging with local people in this process."

The PCT is holding an open day for people to find out how health service plans for the town are developing.

This will take place on Tuesday, February 12, at the Littlebury Hotel, King's End Road, between 10.30am and 8pm.