THE GROUP of Pembrokeshire residents campaigning to stop the downgrading of Withybush Hospital are taking their fight to Cardiff Bay.

Save Withybush will march on the Senedd on Wednesday, July 4, to make the voice of the people of Pembrokeshire heard to AMs.

The group will present the 25,000 signature strong petition started by Myles Bamford-Lewis urging AMs to discuss plans by Hywel Dda University Health Board which would see Withybush downgraded to a community hospital.

The group has organised buses from across the county, starting out from 8am to convene upon the Senedd.

Haverfordwest Town Council also agreed to fund two buses from the town at it its meeting last Wednesday, June 20.

The bus time table is as follows;

- Bus 1: Pembroke Dock Aldi – 8am; Kilgetty roundabout – 8.25am; Narberth, opposite Burns pet shop – 8.50am.

- Bus 2: Milford Haven, Lord Nelson Hotel – 8am; Neyland, Honeyborough Green – 8.20am; Johnston, opposite Railway Inn – 8.35am.

- Bus 3: Haverfordwest bus station – 8am.

- Bus 4: Haverfordwest, Rifleman Lane car park – 8am; Penblewin car park – 8.30am.

- Bus 5: Fishguard, Fishguard Square – 8am; St Davids, Cross Square – 8.30am.

When all buses have made their stops, they will travel to Cardiff Bay to drop protestors off.

Members of the public are also encouraged to drive to Cardiff to take part, preferably carpooling if possible.

Save Withybush has predicted the petition could have up to 30,000 signatures by the time of the march.

A spokesperson for the group said: “We will be taking with us on the day somewhere in the region of around 300 people on the coaches and it is my understanding there will be a number people also travelling to Cardiff by car.

“If we can assemble around 500 people on the steps outside the Senedd on the day that would be quite an achievement and a show of strength that even Welsh government will find very difficult to ignore, factor in what we are anticipating to be a 30,000 signature petition and we feel we have a strong voice with these proposals.

“We still have two events left before our Save Withybush Summer of Action is complete be sure to check our Facebook page and also website to keep up to date with forthcoming events.”

Seating on the coaches is limited. Visit eventbrite.co.uk to book a seat ticket for the coaches.

More information on the campaign can be found at SaveWithybush.wales