Members of the Women of Dartmouth and District group have been chaining themselves to the hospital in a campaign to get the cottage hospital reopened.

Starting on Monday, July 9, the women chained themselves to the hospital barriers and protested against the closure of Dartmouth hospital.

Members of the group said they were hoping this protest will highlight the strong feeling in the town against the closure of the Dartmouth Cottage hospital.

Lynn Gunnigle and Julie Garton were chained to the hospital at midday on Tuesday. They said the aim of the protest is to highlight what is happening to health care in Dartmouth.

Ms Gunnigle said the group had received support from similar campaigns in North Devon and Ilfracombe and from the campaign group, Save Our Hospital South West.

On Facebook the group commented: “Ask not what the NHS can do for you, but what you can do for the NHS.

“We wish to highlight the situation in Dartmouth that has resulted in the loss of our hospital.

“Today the Women of Dartmouth and District invite everyone to stand with us and send our message clearly to the government; hands off our hospital.

“Join us today and fight for what is rightfully ours. It’s time to take back what our families paid for and our grandchildren will need. We’re stronger together.”

She said the group is hoping to fill a rota of people to chain themselves to the hospital and to build momentum for the cause.

Ms Gunnigle, who started campaigning at 6am on Tuesday morning said the group is aiming to occupy the hospital area on Friday night. She hopes people will join the group and either stay for the evening or support the group during its night time stint.

In addition, both women said the group is open to both men and women despite its name; they said everyone is welcome to come and support the cause.

Before midday, both women said they had received a wealth of support from passers by. Many had brought them food, ice creams, created signs and one fisherman had offered to catch them some supper.

To support the group or join the rota please contact the group on the Facebook page or via email at [email protected].