Calls were made for a new acute hospital and medical school for all East Kent.

The demand for a medical village based in Canterbury came in a public meeting last night (Friday) over the future of Kent and Canterbury Hospital.

Protesters are concerned about the gradual transfer of services there to the William Harvey Hospital in Ashford and QEQM (Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother) in Margate.

More than 200 people attended last night’s meeting at Canterbury Academy in Knight Avenue.

Ken Rogers, chairman of campaign group Chek (Concern for Health in East Kent) said: “We had a public meeting in March but since then things have got worse.

“Two weeks ago they moved stroke services from K&C to Ashford and Margate.

"And on June 19 they are moving cardiology and respiratory care for the elderly from Canterbury again to Ashford and Margate.

“The East Kent Hospitals trust says this is only temporary but we are worried that K&C will eventually be reduced to a 65-bed community hospital.”

Last night’s meeting was also attended by MPs Julian Brazier (Canterbury and Whitstable) and Helen Whately (Faversham and Mid Kent).

A follow-up meeting will take place on Friday, June 16 and meanwhile Chek is organising a protest march through Canterbury.

It is from 10.30pm on Saturday, June 3, and will start and finish in the Dane John Gardens.

As many as 5,000 people are expected to attend.