DEVIZES MP Michael Ancram said he would pushing for a minimum number of services at the new Devizes health facility on Green Lane.

Mr Ancram, who signed the Gazette's petition to save Devizes Maternity Unit, said: "I believe there are certain benchmarks that need to be provided in a new hospital in Devizes.

"These are in-patient beds, not just geriatric care beds, a maternity unit and a minor injuries unit although I don't know whether the present numbers of people who use the minor injuries unit can justify it being open 24 hours a day."

Mr Ancram has not had a reply to the letter he sent to minister Alan Milburn calling on him to ensure a replacement hospital is provided in Devizes.

Mr Ancram was briefed on the Kennet and North Wiltshire Primary Care Trust's proposals last Friday.

He told the Gazette: "I remain very concerned about what I am hearing about the hospital. I remain determined to see the promise of a new community hospital being fulfilled and I will only welcome it as a hospital if those three elements I mentioned are included."

Kennet District Council which is opposed to a reduction in services at Devizes Hospital has commissioned health experts to evaluate the trust's proposals.

A campaign group led by Devizes Mayor Catherine Brown is to be set up at a meeting tonight by townspeople concerned about the trust's proposals. Anyone interested in joining should telephone the council on (01380) 722160.