Thousands of people have backed the News & Star Save Our Services campaign, sending a strong message to health chiefs.

With just over a week to go until the consultation closes, we are asking those who have not signed to do so urgently and those who have to take it a step further by collecting signatures from friends, family and neighbours.

By signing our petition you are helping to get the message across that people across north, west and east Cumbria do not feel the proposals put forward by the Government’s Success Regime are safe, fair or properly thought through.

The plans they have put forward include moving mums in labour, the most sick adults and children and stroke patients 40 miles from Whitehaven to Carlisle.

They would also see vital community beds at hospitals across the area close, with more care delivered in people’s own homes. Such a move would have huge implications for the communities affected, particularly Maryport, Wigton and Alston.

At the same time, bosses also want to reduce the total number of beds in Carlisle’s Cumberland Infirmary and Whitehaven’s West Cumberland Hospital.

Despite widespread concerns being raised at public meetings across the area, bosses have to date failed to allay the fears of our communities. As well as the general public, both current and retired medical staff have also come forward with their concerns.

Thousands of people have also turned out to public meetings across the area, again sending out a strong message that the Success Regime does not have local support.

To join the campaign against the cuts simply sign our online petition here .

For those who have signed online please share the link on social media to help spread the word.