Telford and Wrekin councillors from all of the political parties have united to fight against any plans to downgrade the Princess Royal Hospital.

The council has also launched a petition as part of a major campaign to keep all acute services at the hospital and block any moves to transfer care to the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital.

It follows the publication of a report to health chiefs which suggests either moving some acute services, including accident and emergency and in-patient paediatrics, from Telford to the RSH or the other way around.

Council leader Andrew Eade proposed a motion last night. It said: “Members are requested to indicate their full backing and commitment to actions and a campaign to protect the Princess Royal Hospital as the cornerstone of acute health services for this area.”

Councillors gave their solidarity for the campaign.

Councillor Adrian Williams said: “They will shut Telford unless we fight.”

Councillor Roger Averley called for the Primary Care Trust to be disbanded. “If the trust won’t listen to us we should get rid of it,” he said.

Earlier, councillors launched the petition, that can be accessed online or at civic offices, calling on Telford and Wrekin PCT and other NHS trusts to halt any downgrading or removal of services at the PRH.

Meanwhile, Daniel Kawczynski, MP for Shrewsbury and Atcham, has written to the First Minister for Wales Rhodri Morgan asking for his support in preventing services being moved from the RSH.

Mr Kawczynski claims it would adversely affect thousands of Welsh citizens.