A 13,000-signature petition presented to 10 Downing Street is the latest milestone in the Save Buckland Hospital campaign.

In addition an eminent consultant, with 25 years’ experience, is preparing to officially challenge the consultation process on where health services in Dover should be provided.

On Tuesday the petition was presented for the attention of Tony Blair by hospital campaigner Pauline Major and MP Gwyn Prosser.

Since the Dover Project consultations began, Mrs Major has taken to the streets, fearful that the review of services is another way of saying services will be cut from Buckland.

Mr Prosser said: "Dover is fed up with bearing the brunt of the trust’s planning and financial failures, which is why 13,000 people expressed the voice of Dover saying 'Hands off Buckland Hospital'."

* See the Dover Mercury for the full story.