Campaigners are gearing up to protest about the sudden closure of Wallingford Community Hospital's minor injuries unit.

The town council is calling on MP Ed Vaizey to protest to Health Secretary Patricia Hewitt about the lack of consultation.

Town councillor Lynda Atkins said: "The minor injuries unit was closed without any consultation and without the public being notified. It was outrageous.

"The primary care trust says the closure is temporary - but that's what was said when the trust closed the x-ray unit two years ago.

"Now one of the reasons for closing the minor injuries unit is that there are no x-ray facilities."

Ms Atkins has asked people to go to South Oxfordshire District Council's HQ at Crowmarsh at 9.45am next Thursday to let the Oxfordshire Primary Care Trust know how they feel.

She said: "Last year we thought we had made a breakthrough by showing that we would listen to all reasonable suggestions for modifications at our hospitals.

"We thought consultation and talks would follow. Then we have this done out of the blue. I know the timing is awkward but I urge people to do their best to be present at the start of the meeting."

Town councillor Theresa Jordan said: "The lack of consultation is very worrying. I hope people in Wallingford will support our protest as they have done so many times when the hospital has been threatened."

Town councillor Simon Harrop said: "It is worrying because cutting away at services in this way could lead to a very serious situation."

Alison Brumfitt, of the PCT, said: "The decision to suspend services temporarily was taken because a risk assessment found unacceptable levels of risk to patients and staff.

"The situation will be rediscussed at an executive meeting on April 12. The trust will consult on substantive, long term changes to all services provided by community hospitals."