Hundreds of people showed their desire to keep a hospital in Bicester after campaigners launched a fresh petition.
Health officials want to replace the town’s 12-bed hospital in Oxford Road with a primary care centre without inpatient beds.
Oxfordshire Primary Care Trust’s plan would see beds provided in a private care home elsewhere.
But following local opposition, Cherwell District Council has agreed to submit a proposal to the PCT to build a 12-bed hospital and lease it back to the health authority.
On Saturday, campaigners launched a fresh petition seeking support for the idea. Campaigner Les Sibley also a town and district councillor, said he had collected 410 signatures in three hours at the information stall in Sheep Street.
He said he had received 241 completed surveys from members of the public giving their views about health facilities in the town.
Mr Sibley said: “They came out in their hundreds and it was absolutely marvellous. At times people had to queue, we just couldn’t keep up with them.
“There was a real determination by the people of Bicester to let the PCT know that they are reiterating their demands for a new hospital.”
No-one from Oxfordshire PCT was available to comment.
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