THOUSANDS of people have signed petitions demanding Clacton Hospital’s minor injuries unit stays open.

The town’s main political parties have all launched campaigns opposing any cuts to the service.

NHS bosses are looking at a major shake-up which could lead to the closure of units in Clacton and Harwich, and Colchester’s walk-in centre.

County councillor Andy Wood is leading the Tory campaign against cuts and has collected more than 2,000 signatures supporting the minor injuries unit.

“I’ve never seen the public so anti something,” he said.

“This has gone viral everywhere you look. People are really fed up.

“I am really pleased because it means the whole town is getting together now to say ‘no - we’ve had enough’.

“It’s great that everyone is fighting as one to get this stopped.”

Labour has also amassed about 2,000 signatures in Jaywick and is planning a demonstration in Clacton.

Spokesman Dan Casey is attending all the public consultation meetings organised by NHS bosses, including events in Harwich and Weeley this week.

“We are desperately trying to save the minor injuries unit which is an absolute priority,” he said.

“We will be out on the streets this Saturday and are planning to have a demonstration in Clacton in the future.”

Ukip’s Andy Pemberton launched an online petition which has been signed by more than 900 people.

He says a Facebook page has been reached 10,000 hits, with more than 1,100 people a day visiting.

Clacton MP Douglas Carswell has also thrown his weight behind the campaign and has written to local NHS bosses explaining why the minor injuries unit at Clacton hospital must be kept open.

“I am 100 per cent against any attempt to close the minor injuries unit,” he said.