MORE than 25 supporters of a Young Labour demonstration took their campaign to Darlington’s Market Square to protest at cuts to “crucial” NHS services.

A spokeswoman for Darlington Young Labour group said the NHS was under significant threat as a result of cuts and should be re-nationalised.

The group also expressed concern over so-called Sustainability and Transformation (STP) plans, which are set to lead to a shake-up of local hospital services.

A small crowd gathered around the protestors to listen to their arguments yesterday lunchtime.

Secretary Sharifah Rahman said: “We think the bad weather put a lot of people off but there was still a good turnout considering it was called at such short notice. The guest speakers were really good and we managed to attract a little bit of a crowd to listen to what we have to say.”

Last year, the town’s Labour MP Jenny Chapman launched Save Our Services (SOS) after becoming concerned about the impact of potential changes to services at the hospital.

Ms Chapman and supporters believe the contentious Better Health Programme could mean downgrading of DMH’s maternity, intensive care and A&E departments.