DESPITE a lower than expected turn-out, dozens of people marched through the streets of the County Town in opposition to plans to privatise the NHS.

More than 200 placard bearing, chanting protesters, from the Unison campaign group, marched along Week Street and St Faith’s Street, Maidstone, before gathering in Brenchley Gardens, for a speaker-led rally.

Paul Harper, Unison branch secretary for NHS Logistics, which provides medical supplies directly to hospitals, praised the public for adding their support by clapping and cheering as they passed through Maidstone.

He said it rejected any plans to privatise the NHS and opposed all job cuts, both locally and nationally.

Although a last resort, strike action by NHS Logisitcs would completely cripple the health service.

"Although we only have 1,200 members across the country, we could actually close the NHS through strike action," added Mr Harper.

"It’s a last resort, but that’s the power we’ve got."

He added: "Although we didn’t get as many people as we would have like involved in the rally, I still think it was a success and hopefully it will gather even more support.

“The more people hear about it, the bigger the campaign will become."

A Unison-led follow up meeting is due to be held with Kent County Council at County Hall, Maidstone, on Monday, July 17, to lobby members for their support.