Moves to salvage a future for one of Oxfordshire's axed community hospitals are under way.

Campaigners who fought to save the 11-bed Burford Hospital from closure are now putting together a package to use the building for community care.

A small group met officers of the Oxfordshire Community Health Trust, including chief executive Simon Lowe.

Campaign chairman Chris Davis said he was now very hopeful that the hospital would not be lost to the community. He added: "We are talking about maintaining a care facility at the hospital for Burford and the surrounding villages.

"The probability is that that it will be a day, rather than a 24-hour, facility.

"Expertise is now required to put the jigsaw together and a full public meeting will be held, hopefully within the next few weeks."

The hospital was one of two - the other at Watlington - that Oxfordshire Health Authority earmarked for closure. Despite massive protest campaigns, Health Secretary Alan Milburn agreed to the axe three weeks ago.

Burford's campaign was inspired by a long tradition of community involvement with the hospital. More than £500,000 was raised to support it and more than 70 volunteers are running transport, reception and other back-up services.

A shadow board has been set up that will have to be formally converted into a charity or trust, said Mr Davis.

"From our talks with the Community Health Trust, all I can say is that it looks as if a way forward is now possible and we will soon be issuing a joint statement," he added.

Story date: Saturday 18 December

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