Town councillors want to vet the recruitment strategy for nurses at Wantage Hospital because of a deepening mistrust of NHS administrators. They say they need evidence of a concerted effort by the South West Primary Care Trust to staff the community hospital to prevent its closure.

The Royal College of Nursing has also asked for an audit of the recruitment campaign after claims by members that past attempts have been "half hearted." The town council unanimously passed a resolution asking the PCT to allow it to appoint an independent observer.

Chief executive of the PCT, Mary Wicks, said: "The PCT is pleased to hear the town council wishes to support us in our recruitment plan."