MORE than 60 people, backed by their MP Ed Vaizey, crowded into a meeting to protest against the closure of the minor injuries unit at Wallingford Hospital.

However, the campaigners failed to get any answers from Oxfordshire NHS Primary Care Trust officials during the meeting at the headquarters of South Oxfordshire District Council, in Crowmarsh.

They were told the closure was temporary, because of health and safety fears, and would be reviewed by the trust's executive next week.

The protesters were led by mother and daughter Betty and Lynda Atkins, veteran campaigners and town councillors who have spent years trying to keep the hospital open.

Betty Atkins, a former sister at the hospital, said: "I was very impressed by the turnout, but I'm always angry when we don't get satisfactory answers.

"I wish these people would be honest and open and tell the public - who pay their wages and expenses - exactly what's happening. We were told the closure was temporary - but they said that about the closure of the X-ray unit two years ago.

"The closure of the minor injuries unit causes a lot of worry for people, particularly the elderly."

Mr Vaizey, the MP for Wantage, did not speak at the meeting. He said: "I was there to observe and I was impressed by the strength of feeling for Wallingford Hospital and its services.

"There were 60 people there at 9am on a Thursday. If it had been held on a Saturday, for instance, I'm sure there would have been hundreds."

Mr Vaizey said he was not surprised by the response from the PCT. He said: "I never expected to get any answers but I think people should be given plain answers when they ask for them."