COUNCILLORS in Bromley are lending their support to a campaign to save beds at Orpington Hospital.

Bromley Primary Care Trust has not decided whether to keep beds at the community hospital when Farnborough Hospital opens next April.

But Bromley Community Care Protection Group has launched a campaign to save the beds and has already got the support of 180 local GPs and consultants. Now with elections coming up, councillors from the three main parties are also giving their support.

Conservative councillors include Cllr Philip Jones, Cllr John Ince, Cllr Peter Woods, Cllr Russell Mellor, Cllr Alan Carter, Cllr Cathy Bustard and Labour councillors include Cllr David McBride, Cllr Colin Willetts, Cllrs Ernest Dyer and Cllr Sue Polydorou.

Liberal Democrat councillors include Cllr Gill Chamarette, Cllr Helen Rabbatts, Cllr Chris Maines, Cllr Geoff Gostt, Cllr Jane Green, Cllr Martin Lockwood, Cllr Bob Shekyls and Cllr Chris Gaister.

Chairman of Bromley Community Care Protection Group Maria Goldenberg said: "Some councillors have openly declared support for the campaign and others have remained silent. Why?

"This is a very important local issue with a direct influence on the future of health provision for Bromley residents."

The final decision on Orpington Hospital is to be taken on May 30.