ONE of the campaigners to keep hospital services in Huddersfield has had a reply from Health Minister Patricia Hewitt.

But Mrs Barbara Farrand, of Oakes, has been told the decision on services must be left to local health officials.

Examiner editor Roy Wright received a similarly-worded reply from Prime Minister Tony Blair.

Mrs Farrand, who has campaigned against the changes for the past three months, said: "I wrote to Mrs Hewitt expressing all the concerns of the people of Huddersfield. But in her reply she insists it must be a decision made by local health professionals.

"She says that since 2003, NHS organisations have a duty to consult with people on how they plan and offer services and that had been done in this case.

"I just hope our health trusts realise there has been such a public outcry that they must take notice."

The plans include moving maternity and children's services from Huddersfield Royal Infirmary to Halifax. The final decisions will be made on March 22.