AddThis SmartLayers

Editor delivers campaign message to Downing Street

Ilford Recorder editor Chris Carter has delivered a 10,000-signature petition to 10 Downing Street as the paper battles to keep a local accident and emergency unit open.

The weekly newspaper editor led a delegation to the home of the prime minister, where he presented the petition to Tony Blair’s parliamentary private secretary Keith Hill.

Chris said: “It was a momentous day for our campaign and sends a clear message to Mr Blair and his ministers.

“We wanted to make sure the voices of all the people who signed our petition were heard and I believe going to the top was the best way of doing that.”

Chris was joined by Ilford North MP Lee Scott and his Ilford South counterpart Mike Gapes (pictured above), along with campaigners Dharam Sahdev, Florence Hammill and Margaret Osborne.

The Recorder’s Hands Off Our Hospital campaign is fighting the threat of closure of the accident and emergency unit at King George Hospital, Barley Lane, Goodmayes.

Since its launch in January it has received widespread support, with 10,000 readers signing a petition.

Chris said: “I have said so many times how fantastic our readers are when we launch campaigns – but this time I believe they have excelled themselves.

“Mr Blair cannot fail to be impressed by the weight of support for this campaign and there can be no doubting the strength of feeling over the threat to the accident and emergency unit.”