CAMPAIGNERS have been left bitterly disappointed by yesterday's votes.

Carolyn Saville, a member of the Royal College of Midwives who works at the HRI, said: "I could cry, I really could.

"We now have the largest town without obstetric provision in the country."

She said the results were particularly upsetting following all the campaigning and consultations.

"It makes a complete sham out of the whole thing - what a waste of money!"

She said local councillors, MPs and GPs were all against the proposals "arrogantly" voted through.

"It's dreadful for the town," she added.

Ruth Hanson, the union representative for the Huddersfield branch of the Royal College of Midwives, said: "I'm not surprised but I'm very disappointed.

"I'm very disappointed because I think the views of the vast majority of the people of Huddersfield have been completely ignored."

Clr Shahida Awan, who represents Crosland Moor, said babies' and mothers' lives were now at risk.

"I think it's a very, very sad day for the people of Huddersfield.

"It's a shock. We didn't think they could be so inhumane.

"We were against the removal of any services from Huddersfield at all but if they could have left the maternity and children's service here it would have been a lot better.

"But coming here and seeing the mood I had a feeling that everything would go.

"I thought they would have some respect for the consultation they've done."

Ten months ago Clr Awan needed an emergency Caesarean section.

She was treated in Huddersfield but now fears for future mums faced with the same ordeal.

"From my own experience we're going to be risking the mother's life and the baby's life."

Clr Linda Wilkinson, who represents Almondbury ward, said: "I'm sad that the concerns of people in Huddersfield don't appear to have been taken into account.

"I have lived in Huddersfield all my life and I have been served well by the National Health Service.

"I'm sad that all the services we're used to in Huddersfield, unfortunately are not going to be here.

"I think the main reason the NHS is in crisis at the moment is to do with management.

"I think that the whole way it operates should be looked at again because I think if there was a better system of management then a lot of these changes wouldn't be necessary."