A STAGGERING 16,000 names have been collected on a petition against NHS services being moved from Huddersfield Royal Infirmary.

Now the organisers are hoping that a further show of `people power' on a protest march tomorrow will force health bosses into a climbdown.

Jackie Grunsell, the family doctor leading a campaign against the changes, said: "I am hoping for about 1,000 people to come, but that is dependant on the weather. We just want as much support as possible.

"People are looking for an opportunity to express their opposition to the proposals.

"We want the health trust to listen to what we are saying and we hope this march will achieve that aim."

Thousands have queued up to sign the petition, which is opposed to any change after Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Trust revealed its plans to move services from Huddersfield Royal Infirmary to Calderdale Royal Hospital in Halifax.

Services set to move include maternity, gynaecology, children's services and planned surgery.

Tomorrow's march will start at HRI on Acre Street in Lindley at 11am.

Protesters will then walk down New Hey Road, Trinity Street, Westgate, New Street and Ramsden Street before ending up at the Piazza shopping centre at 1pm.

Dr Grunsell, 33, a GP at Paddock and Netherton surgeries, said people who cannot take part in the whole march are welcome to join for just part of the journey.

She revealed 16,629 names have been collected on the petition.

Labour MPs Kali Mountford and Mary Creagh are among others who have also started petitions.

Dr Grunsell said the huge public support for her Save Our NHS campaign had forced health bosses to discuss the issue more openly.

She said: "There has been a more thorough debate about it than I think there would otherwise have been.

"But at the moment they don't appear to be shifting on what they are proposing.

"However, the consultation process is not over.

"It is going to be impossible for them to ignore us if this is a genuine consultation."

Petitions will be available to sign at the Piazza from 10am on Saturday.

They are also at Paddock and Netherton surgeries.

Alternatively, people can contact Dr Grunsell on 07920162323 to obtain a copy of the petition.

The consultation period ends on January 16.