The voice of Burford people was heard in the House of Commons as Ministers were asked to explain their reasons for cutting back community hospitals.

Witney MP Shaun Woodward demanded that the Government tell the Commons how cutting back on vital NHS facilities would be of any benefit, given plans to boost the number of households in the county.

Residents in Burford have been left angry and concerned after Oxfordshire Health Authority announced plans to close their hospital within six months.

The hammer blow to the town was part of a package of re-shuffles within the county's Community Health Care Trust to save the NHS £1.6m.

Burford and Watlington Hospitals will be axed and Abingdon will lose 18 permanent beds. Bicester is to get a new 30-bed hospital.

Tory MP Mr Woodward praised Health Secretary Alan Milburn for having the courage to announce the closures, after his predecessor Frank Dobson "sat on" the issue for 18 months.

He called for an urgent debate on the hospital closures, and how it could be reconciled with plans to allow increased development in Oxfordshire.

Leader of the House Margaret Beckett said she could not find time for a special debate - but said she would bring his concerns to the attentions of Ministers.

Story date: Saturday 27 November

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