THE casualty unit at Melksham Hospital has been forced to close at night because of staff shortages.

Hilary Fairfield, director of services at the West Wiltshire Primary Care Trust, said it was a temporary closure caused by one third of the unit's staff being off because of long-term sickness.

"We are looking to solve it quickly, but it is unlikely to be before the beginning of February," she said.

The trust has been unable to draft in staff from other units or find suitable agency cover for the specialist unit, which deals with minor injuries.

Mrs Fairfield said: "It is not a decision taken lightly but we have a responsibility to make sure the unit is safe."

The unit will close between 11pm and 7am. People will be directed to the casualty units at Trowbridge and Devizes.