AN Ilminster man has told of his sadness and anger after the British Red Cross axed a medical service which was run by his family for 17 years.

Bill England and his late wife, Sylvie, have used the British Red Cross hut in Wharf Lane to distribute wheelchairs, crutches and other vital equipment to people throughout the town on behalf of the charity.

But due to a lack of volunteers and increased costs, the Red Cross has said it is leaving Ilminster and centralising its loan equipment service to Taunton.

The news has also come as a blow to the many groups which use the hut, who may have to find a different base when the Red Cross ends its lease on the building on October 31.

Mr England said: "Our family can sum the closure up in three words - sadness, anger and disbelief. "We want to keep the service in Ilminster, for Sylvie and for all the organisations who use the hall and supported her over the years."

The Red Cross says it cannot afford to run its Ilminster centre at a loss, and believes that a centralised service is better for users of the medical equipment it offers.

From November, anybody in Ilminster needing items of equipment can call 08453-313331, Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm.