A ballot of more than 1,000 people could be launched to gauge opinion on plans for a multi-million health village in south Shropshire, which could include fewer beds.

The proposal to redevelop Ludlow Hospital on the town’s eco park came under fire at a meeting of the Ludlow League of Friends yesterday, which called for a ballot of its 1,400 members.

The Friends claimed that if the £27 million development gets the green light it could mean a cut in the number of beds from 40 to 28.

They said they wanted to gauge the feelings of the Friends because they felt the committee had accepted the cuts included in the outline case for the redevelopment, approved by West Midlands Strategic Health Authority on January 26.

Plans for a ballot will be discussed in May.

Friends vice-chairman Martin Taylor-Smith said: “There is a business case which includes a review of the number of beds. We have been assured that the review will look at the number of beds again. We have made it very plain that we do not support 28 beds.”

Health bosses said today the plan was all part of a new model that concentrated on giving patients care in their own homes rather than in hospital, and that approach would accelerate closer joint working between health and social care services.

Simon Kenton, director of joint commissioning for Shropshire County Primary Care Trust, said: “The PCT is committed to the redevelopment of health-care services in south-west Shrop- shire, including the redevelopment of Ludlow Hospital.

“The outline business case that was approved by NHS West Midlands last month has been developed to address the health needs of the local community for the future.”