Campaigners face an agonising wait as a decision is made over whether they are to get a new multi-million pound “health village” in Ludlow.

Ludlow Hospital’s League of Friends chairman Peter Corfield said the decision over the funding bid from the West Midlands Strategic Health Authority was “imminent” and the entire redevelopment hinged on the outcome.

If the £30 million is secured, the health village could be built at the Eco Park by early 2012.

Mr Corfield said: “If we get the approval from the Department of Health to redevelop the hospital as a health village then the site will be on the Eco Park.”

But concerns have been raised that the bid’s chances could be dashed by people opposing GP re-location to the “health village”.

James McCormack, of Clun, one of 80 people who attended a forum meeting on Monday night, said: “There is a strong message from the Strategic Health Authority that if the bid is to go ahead the community has to express its whole-hearted support.

“Some of the older residents at the meeting were concerned about not having a GP surgery in the town.

“This is a once in a lifetime chance not just for residents in Ludlow but for peo ple in south west Shropshire and further afield.”

But Mr Corfield said: “Th- is did come up in the meeting which is why it was agreed that the PCT and the GPs would look at the option of maintaining some sort of out reach presence in the town.”

If the plan goes ahead, Mr Corfield said a variety of new facilities could be on offer.

The redevelopment could include a four-bay renal dialysis unit, maintenance che- motherapy and a new mental health team for adults and the elderly.

Mr Corfield said: “It is anticipated that the hospital will be funded as a healthy living centre, aimed at prevention rather than a cure.”

He added: “We are the top project for the West Midlands Strategic Health Authority and it is currently sitting on a desk at the Department of Health with four or five others nationally. The depa- rtment has said it is all or nothing.”

By Sophie Bignall