PEOPLE power is taking to the streets of Huddersfield again - to save hospital services.

Campaigners who led more than 1,000 people from Huddersfield Royal Infirmary to the town centre earlier this month hope more will join a second march.

They will be taking to the streets on January 14 to persuade Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Trust to reconsider proposals to shift some services to Halifax.

News of the second march coincided with a successful bid by local MPs to have the controversial issue debated in Parliament.

MPs Barry Sheerman, Kali Mountford and Mary Creagh have tabled an Early Day Motion to be debated in the Commons on January 10.

They are calling for a full specialist-led maternity service to be retained in Huddersfield.

Details of the march route are still being finalised but it is believed to be starting from St George's Square.

The demonstration will object to plans to move maternity, children's services, gynaecology and all planned surgery from the Infirmary to the Calderdale Royal Hospital.

Today, Paddock and Netherton GP Dr Jackie Grunsell, who is leading the Save Our NHS campaign, said the second march would be a shorter distance than the previous demonstration.

"The march from the Infirmary on December 10 went really well but there were quite a lot of people who wanted to come but couldn't because of the distance," she said.

"The next one will be shorter and probably just around the town centre."

She hoped the march - to be held just two days before the public consultation period ends - would raise more awareness and demonstrate the level of objection to the proposals.

She added: "I hope it will show the Trust the strength of feeling and make them listen. I don't think they can ignore what people are saying."

She also revealed that petitions circulated around the town had already collected more than 25,000 signatures.

And, once again, she has called on Kirklees Council to hold a referendum on the issue - despite the £60,000 bill.

She added: "I think it is a price worth paying to keep the services here in Huddersfield."

* A meeting will be held at the Irish Centre, Fitzwilliam Street, Huddersfield, on January 3, to organise the march. Anyone who wants to get involved is invited to attend.