Hospital campaigners plan a fresh gathering outside Grantham Hospital to mark four years since the 'temporary' overnight closure of its A&E.

The gathering will be socially-distant and will take place outside the old hospital so it does not affect patients at either the new Urgent Treatment Centre and the Covid-19 secure 'Green' site.

The move follows the United Lincolnshire Hospitals Trust recently 'downgrading' the A&E into an Urgent Treatment Centre, but the move saw the return of 24/7 services at the UTC, another move ULHT insists is 'temporary' due to the pandemic.

The 'Green' areas are being used for cancer treatment, as part of the recent changes.

Jody Clark of the Fighting 4 Grantham Hospital campaign group told Nub News: "I can't believe we are facing a 4th Anniversary of the "temporary" overnight closure of our A&E! It's no wonder we don't trust the word "Temporary" anymore! We still feel like the forgotten town.

"We have made quite a name for ourselves over the past 4 years. The passion in our community has been obvious from the start.

"We do not want all these changes at our hospital. Especially as it puts so many of us, miles away from Emergency Care and some Clinics and Outpatient appointments too!"

Jody added: "I hope the next gathering, on Sunday 16th August at 2pm, reminds the health providers that we have not gone anywhere and we will continue to push them to return our lost services, as soon as possible. We will not stop fighting until we have the provision we need and deserve.

"I hope many of the community will join us as Together we are Fighting 4 Grantham Hospital."

In the meantime, fellow F4GH campaigner Mel Powles is urging people to download material as part of the related 'hearts' campaign, which aims to raise awareness of the issue.