Almost 70,000 people have signed the petition, thousands have attended public meetings and protests and 180 local GPs, representing over 300,000 patients, have spoken out in opposition. Now, tens of thousands of people are being asked to spend their Saturday morning marching against the downgrading of A&E and maternity services.

The mass rally will be held on Saturday 13^th October, with local residents being asked to assemble in Clair Park, Perrymount Road, Haywards Heath at 9.30am. Shortly afterwards, the march will move off along Perrymount Road, The Broadway and into South Road, the route which almost exactly a year ago saw 7,500 people march against the initial threat. Campaigners hope that in excess of 10,000 people will join the 2007 March & Rally.

A rally will be held in Victoria Park, to be addressed by speakers including GPs, local MPs and representatives from the campaign

In view of the large numbers likely to attend, local people are being asked to walk or use public transport where possible to reach the meeting point, as parking in the area will be extremely limited on the day.