CAMPAIGNERS hoping to retain services at Savernake Hospital in Marlborough have been granted permission to apply for a judicial review into the closure of the day hospital.

Although they still await permission to challenge the decision to close the minor injuries unit, which closed at the end of last month, they said they were delighted with progress so far.

The notification received yesterday by campaigner Val Compton from the Queens Bench Division of the High Court said the case was suitable to be heard by a Deputy High Court Judge and the claim is to be heard as soon as possible, but in any event during the Michaelmas term of 2007, that is, before Christmas.