ABOUT 500 people are expected to march tomorrow in protest against closures at Warminster Hospital.

The march is rallying support against the closure of the casualty unit, also called the minor injuries unit, and to fight for the future of one of the wards.

The 24-bed ward, which caters mainly for elderly patients, was closed at the end of March but has since reopened, with two GPs from Adcroft Surgery, Trowbridge, providing care.

Their initial three-month contract has been extended but there is still no plan to keep the ward open permanently.

Roger Davey, senior steward for the public services union UNISON, said: "We're expecting the biggest ever protest in Warminster. We hope over 500 people will take part."

The protest will start at 10.30am at Warminster Hospital, before lapping the town and ending back at the hospital.

Mr Davey said: "Warminster Hospital is in jeopardy because it is so close to Westbury.

"After casualty was closed in April people continued to turn up expecting treatment. It is difficult for some elderly patients to travel to other hospitals."

He said there has been considerable local support for the protest, after leaflets were sent to residents in the town and nearby villages.