Llanidloes residents have told Powys Teaching Health Board 'hands off our hospital' after travelling 40 miles to hand in a petition signed by more than 2,500 against the proposed downgrading of the town's health services.

A busload of people brought placards to the health board's headquarters in Bronllys near Brecon on Wednesday (October 9), where the petition was handed over to Chief Executive Hayley Thomas.

The petition called on PTHB not to implement changes to services currently available at Llanidloes Hospital, which would be designated as 'Ready to Go Home' units.

Cllr Glyn Preston went along with the protestors to hand in the petition. The Lib Dem councillor said: "Llanidloes residents have today made our feelings clear once again to Powys Teaching Health Board.

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"We are opposed to the proposed downgrade of our hospital, and hope the board decide to reject this proposal tomorrow (October 10) at their board meeting.

"Over 2,500 people signed the petition, in a little over a month. The strength of feeling is clear - hands off our hospital!"

Powys Teaching Health Board (PTHB) members are being advised to plough ahead and cut the opening hours of minor injury units and centralise some inpatient hospital care despite petitions signed by thousands of people against the downgrading of health services in the county. Members will meet at a health board meeting on Thursday, October 10.