RESIDENTS in the Cotswolds were “angry and dismayed” when the decision was taken to close Northleach Hospital and Querns Maternity Unit in Cirencester, The Standard reported in September 1987.

The decision was taken to save Cheltenham and District Health Authority from “brink of financial crisis.”

Despite a Save our Hospitals campaign organised by local people and two petitions, the health authority voted to approve the closure.

At the time, the closures were temporary, to be reviewed over the next 12 months but it was widely believed that “the order for Querns could be its death knell as the authority also recommended that public consultation should now begin so that permanent closure of the maternity unit could be considered.”

Mrs Corinne Gittus, chairman of the Querns Maternity Unit League of Friends, who handed in a 5,200-signature petition said she was devastated.

“We expected temporary closure and suspected a motion for permanent closure but what was so devastating was the way it was done,” she said. “Representations from the town were given no consideration at all.”

Mr John Mustoe, vice chairman of Northleach Town Council, who handed over a petition to DHA chairman Mr Ralph Stow said he was “angry and dismayed”.

He said: “I handed over a 4,000-signature petition and I am doubtful whether Mr Stow heard what I said or even bothered to listen.”