HEALTH chiefs are facing a demand for a public meeting over the axing of more than half the beds at Williton Hospital.

As revealed in the Free Press a fortnight ago, one of the hospital's two wards, closed since September for a review, is to remain shut, cutting the total number of bed spaces from 45 to 20.

The move has not only outraged staff, some of whom could face redeployment across the county, but also local users and supporters who have fund-raised tirelessly over many years to improve facilities at the hospital.

And this week Williton Parish Council threw its weight behind the campaign to stop the loss of beds.

Councillors received letters from staff and the League of Friends of Williton Hospital, raising concerns about the beds closure and seeking support for the fight to get it overturned.

Representatives from the Somerset Partnership NHS Foundation, which runs the hospital, are due to answer questions on the issue at a meeting of West Somerset Council's scrutiny committee on Monday (December 12).

But parish councillors decided this week that health chiefs should also be called to a public meeting in the village.

Cllr Bill Vaughan told the monthly meeting of the parish council on Monday that people needed to know the full implications of the bed reduction.

And Cllr Elizabeth Peeks said if the trust was prepared, as it had previously stated, to keep 12 of the closed beds "on standby" in case of increased demand over the winter, perhaps it should be asked to keep all the beds on a similar status.

"It seems such a waste for this facility not to be used," she said.

Councillors are keen to find out from trust representatives whether the closure of the beds will be a temporary or permanent measure.

In its appeal to the council, the league said it was particularly concerned about the mothballing of the palliative care facility, known as Grace's Room.

It said it wanted the council's support in the campaign to keep all the services provided by the hospital.

"We must do everything possible to retain what is an extremely valuable asset," it said.

The league has already asked for a meeting with the trust to discuss its fears but parish councillors said they thought the public should also be given the opportunity to question health chiefs.

And Cllr Vaughan said a public meeting would probably attract interest from the wider community beyond Williton.

The meeting is likely to be held in the new year.