Only a fraction of the expected protesters took part in a march against ward closures at Broomfield Hospital.

The rally was hailed a success despite a lower than expected turnout. Only 30 people arrived at the meeting point on time - though the number had swelled to more than 100 by the time they set off.

The loss of 84 beds at the hospital has caused outrage in the community and more than 12,000 people have signed a petition urging Mid-Essex Hospitals Trust to change its mind.

The protest march organised by Unison on Saturday had been expected to bring the town centre to a standstill. Police officers were on alert to deal with any trouble, but the event passed off smoothly.

Trade union councils from Chelmsford and Braintree were represented along with pensioners' action groups.

Campaigner Phyllis Webb, of Braintree, said: "It affects Braintree just as much as it affects Chelmsford. We have got a community hospital, but acute cases can't go there. Eighty-four beds is an awful lot to lose."

The Trust plans to shut three wards and move so-called bed-blockers out to community hospitals and care homes.

But protesters are worried there will not be enough money to cover their care, and argue that the move can only make hospital waiting lists longer.

Braintree MP Alan Hurst told campaigners- who gathered for a rally in Central Park - that he fully supported their cause.

"How can you be aiming to reduce waiting lists at the same time as you're closing down wards?" he said.

Health watchdog the Community Health Council is also opposed to the plans, but the Trust claims it needs to shut the wards because of its ever-worsening debts.

Andy Slade, of Unison, said: "Around 150 people took part in the march and the rally and it went well. There was genuine public support for us."

The petition against the ward closures, which has been circulated in Chelmsford, is now being widened to Braintree and Maldon before it is presented to representatives from Mid-Essex Hospitals Trust.

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