THE public have spoken.

And their message is clear: "Hands off our hospital!"

On Saturday in the bitter cold protesters took to the streets to vent their anger at NHS chiefs' plans to close wards and shift them to Halifax.

The Save Our NHS army marched from the threatened Huddersfield Royal Infirmary to the town centre.

The 1,000-strong troop chanted, handed out leaflets and collected signatures to bolster their fight against the plans to move surgical, gynaecological, children's and maternity wards to Calderdale Royal.

And they are confident people power will be victorious.

Gathered in the Piazza after the march leader of the struggle against the proposals Dr Jackie Grunsell addressed the crowd.

"How can we stop them?" she boomed through a megaphone. "They do not seem to be listening.

"Well we are going to make them listen. Today is proof about what the people think.

"We already have 16,000 names on the petition but we are aiming for 40,000. It is impossible for them to ignore us."

The crowds' reaction was unanimous.

Marchers Gillian Scott, of Almondbury, Sarnia Cotton, of Lindley, and Sheila Cotton, also from Lindley, think the protesters have the Health Trust bosses on the ropes.

Gillian said: "I have not met one person that has thought these changes are a good thing. And quite frankly how can they be a good thing?

"This is about money pure and simple and that is just not good enough and we will not accept it.

"This is the first time in my life I have ever been on a march. I feel so strongly about this issue as do so many other people.

"I think if it had not been so cold and not so close to Christmas there would have been even more people on the march today.

"All the way down we had people hooting their car horns in support and coming out of their shops and houses to add their name to the list.

"I really think we can make a difference. In fact I am confident we can stop these stupid proposals."

After the demonstration Paddock and Netherton GP Dr Grunsell said she thought the people's response had been brilliant.

"I think the tide is changing. People are starting to think we could win this whereas before they thought it was a done deal," said the 33-year- old.

"And protests like this one do make a difference - there is no doubt.

"I have been so pleased with the reaction people have given us. And I think the board will be shocked.

"I think they thought there would be opposition but nothing like this. The consultation process has been a sham because they just wanted to tell us what they were going to do to our NHS.

"Well the people have made it quite clear they want their NHS left just as it is."