ALTHOUGH a dark cloud hangs over Huddersfield's hospital services the passion of protesters was undimmed this weekend.
More than 100 marchers made their way through Huddersfield on Saturday to show their anger at the latest twist in the downwards spiral of service cuts at the town's Royal Infirmary.
Chanting protesters of all ages expressed their anger and disappointment at the Independent Review Panel's decision to back hospital bosses' plans to shift consultant-led maternity services to Halifax.
Trust chiefs had previously been granted permission to move services - including planned surgery, gynaecology and children's services - to the Calderdale Royal Hospital.
Marchers met at St Luke's Hospital in Crosland Moor before marching into town to a rallying point in St George's Square.
Nursery nurse Marie Schofield, from Lepton, said mums she spoke to were worried about having to travel to Halifax.
She added: "I'm unhappy about what's happening across the entire NHS."
The Sill family from Slaithwaite had turned out to vent their feelings.
Mum Nicola said: "We believe that we deserve a health service in Huddersfield which supports everyone."
She said her daughter, Bridget, who uses a wheelchair due to hypermobility syndrome, a painful condition which affects joints and muscles, would not be able to ever have a baby in Huddersfield.
Bridget, 20, said: "I'm from Huddersfield and if I have children I want to have them in Huddersfield.
"But because of my condition I would immediately be transferred to Halifax.
"That shouldn't happen. We should have a full range of maternity services in Huddersfield."
Anne Welburn, from Beaumont Park, said many people were angry not just about maternity but about all services being moved.
She added: "It is supposed to be cradle to grave. It won't be here.
"There will be people of all ages harmed by these changes. They will affect everybody. We should not forget that."
Barbara Hamilton, of Almondbury, was at the march with five-year-old daughter Ella, who was born with Downs syndrome and an intestinal condition, Hirschprung's disease. She said: "Rather than going to Huddersfield to be treated, my daughter will now have to go to Halifax.
"The services need to stay here!"
