THE fight to reopen Minehead's MIU unit continues this week with residents across West Somerset signing and sharing petitions.

West Somerset Council's scrutiny committee has also invited representatives from the NHS to speak at the meeting on Monday (April 14).

If members of the public are planning on attending the meeting, they are asked to contact committee services by email: sjrawle@westsomerset.gov.uk.

If people are so planning to ask questions, they should flag them up in advance or ask members of the committee to ask the questions on their behalf.

This must be done by 4pm tomorrow (April 11).

The meeting will be held at the council chamber at West Somerset House in Williton.

There is limited space so if large numbers of people attend, they may not all be able to sit in on the meeting.

The council advice for groups is to agree a delegate to speak on their behalf.

Minehead hotelier Bryan Leaker has organised the petition which reads: “To the House of Commons and Somerset Partnership.

"This petition of the people of Minehead concerns the night time closure of the Minor Injuries Unit at Minehead Hospital.

"The petitioners declare that such a closure is a dangerous move leaving our town and communities without adequate emergency health facilities.

"We ask the House to consider this matter and urge Ministers to intervene."
 

Mr Leaker said: “I really want to give a big thank you to the Hobby Horse for letting us use their ballroom and to everyone who came along and has signed the petition.”

West Somerset MP Ian Liddell-Grainger will lead a march to the hospital to hand the petition in.

Minehead residents Fay Dyke of Revive Minehead and Siobhan Hutchings are helping to make sure everyone has access to copies.

Petitions can be collected at shops in Minehead and at Costcutter in Porlock.

Signed petitions must be returned to Best Friend Pet Supplies by April 30.

The pair thanked everyone who has signed so far and who has been helping print out copies.

Mrs Hutchings added: “There was even a woman who stopped the bus she was on the other day and made everyone including the driver sign.

“It's wonderful to see so much passion and support for this cause.”

The scrutiny committee meeting starts at 3.30pm.