The fight to keep Doddington Hospital grows as local politicians, GPs and health executives join forces to make sure that “this valuable community asset” stays open for generations to come.

Around 6,000 people used the hospital in 2014 but around 9,000 patients must use it for it to be considered viable.

Now, a working group is urging local GPs and patients to ask for appointments at Doddington to make sure it is not closed down next year.

Fenland and county councillor Dave Connor said: “This has nothing to do with politics but everything to do with making sure this valuable community asset stays.

“Fenland is a rural place to live with inadequate public transport, all the other hospitals are difficult for people to get to if they do not have their own cars.

“We need the doctors to refer patients to make sure we get the numbers up to make sure the service stays - what we need is people power - it worked for stopping anaerobic digester at Wimblington, now let’s make it work for saving Doddington Hospital.”

A steering group spearheaded by NE Cambs MP Steve Barclay has met to discuss how to make sure services remain.

Cllr Connor said: “There’s no political gain in any of this. This hospital is for the good of everybody, we need to keep it open.

“All parties agree Fenland is an area of deprivation and closing Doddington Hospital would be a step backwards to become even more deprived in facilities for local people.”

• Anybody who wants to get involved can contact Cllr Connor on 07711-752773 or email dconnor@fenland.gov.uk.

• The steering group comprises Mr Barclay, district, parish and county councillors, bosses from the Cambridgshire and Peterborough Clinicla Commissioning Group, Cambridgeshire Community Services, Peterborough City Hospital and local GPs.