THE final public consultation meeting on the proposals to close Malmesbury and Devizes maternity units will be held on Monday in Wootton Bassett.

Kennet and North Wiltshire Primary Care Trust claim both units are under used and closing them will save £318,000 but campaigners are angry that there is a planned reduction of 11.5 full time equivalent midwives and auxiliaries.

The meeting on Monday is at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church Hall, High Street, Wootton Bassett from 10am to noon.

Limited crche facilities are available. To book a place call Leanne Woolway on (01380) 736012.

Malmesbury campaigners are holding a public meeting tonight at Malmesbury Town Hall, at 7.30pm, where an update will be given on the campaign.

The consultation on the proposals to close Devizes and Malmesbury maternity units is due to end on April 26, although the Kennet and North Wiltshire Primary Care Trust is considering whether to extend the consultation due to the lateness of it issuing financial information.

Letters can be sent to Jenny Edwards at the trust, Southgate House, Pans Lane, Devizes, Wiltshire, SN10 5EQ or email your.say@kennetandnwilts-pct.nhs.uk

The Kennet and North Wiltshire health scrutiny panel meets tomorrow at Kennet District Council's offices in Devizes at 2.30pm. The meeting is open to the public.

Other council meetings where the proposals will be discussed and which the public can attend are North Wiltshire District Council area committee meeting at the council offices, Monkton Park, Chippenham, on Monday at 7pm and North Wiltshire District Council area committee at Calne Town Hall on Tuesday at 7pm.