Southport CARES for children
Formby's Protest against NHS cuts
11th October, 2003
Fortunately the weather held out and a successful protest march ensued. Mums, dads, grannies and granddads all came out with their children to show the NHS Trust that we have NOT gone away. Following the CARES-organised demonstration CARES members raised awareness that the NHS move would affect Formby residents as much or even more than Southport people because of greater distance involved to travel to Ormskirk Hospital. Concern was expressed that narrow, short-cut tracks across the moss would not be suitable for ambulances in winter/wet conditions putting greater risk on children's lives in emergency situations.
Demonstrators gathering at Duke Street Park
The march gets underway
Into Chapel Lane
Into Formby Village
Police discuss the march with organisers
Anxious residents listen to speakers
Freshfield Road
March at Chapel Lane
Duke Street Park
Press snappers came out in force
CARES member John Price
Marchers leaving the main village centre
Says it all for the NHS move!
Angela Weatherby Co-chair of CARES addresses the crowds
Cath Regan CARES Co-chair with daughter Jasmine and too many balloons to manage!
Bill Givens CARES member addressing the demo