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Campaigners who saved The Horton Hospital in Banbury from cuts in children's and maternity services have been officially commended.

Banbury Town Council last week agreed a special resolution praising council member George Parish and the Keep the Horton General Action Group for achieving victory in March, when Health Secretary Alan Johnson accepted a recommendation from independent arbitrators that proposals to downgrade maternity and paediatric services at the hospital were not in the best interests of patients.

The plans, put forward by the Oxford Radcliffe Hospitals NHS Trust, which runs The Horton, were announced more than two years ago, after the trust carried out a review of services at its hospitals.

Mr Parish, chairman of the action group, battled against the proposals, picking up support from all sections of the community. The campaign included public meetings, street marches and rallies in People's Park.

Town councillor John Colegrave proposed the special tribute. He said: "On behalf of the whole town, this council expresses its thanks and sincere appreciation to George Parish for his dedicated, loyal, and faithful service to Banbury, and to the conscientious and zealous manner in which the Keep the Horton Action Group fought to maintain services at our hospital."

Mayor Kieron Mallon said: "Showing that the changes proposed for The Horton were not in the best interests of the local community was a fabulous achievement, and the campaign group was key to achieving this. The residents of Banbury and the surrounding area have much to thank the group for."

He presented Mr Parish and fellow campaigners with a framed certificate of thanks.

Mr Parish said: "I'm so proud that the council has recognised what we have done, and I am thrilled to accept the certificate on behalf of everyone who helped the campaign."

4:28pm Tuesday 6th May 2008

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