The future of Withybush Hospital will be at the heart of next year's Welsh Assembly election campaign in Pembrokeshire.

Disillusioned with politicians at central and local level, Swat - the Save Withybush Action Team - is seriously discussing plans to field candidates in the two local constituencies.

And, after a "poor response" from county councillors at a meeting on Friday, Swat may also fight seats in the next local government election.

Only 21 out of 60 county councillors turned up at a meeting to hear presentations by Swat, Pembrokeshire Local Health Board, and Pembrokeshire and Derwen NHS Trust.

Swat chairman Dr Chris Overton - who last year put his job on the line after whistleblowing on proposals to downgrade Withybush Hospital - said: "We have not yet decided who is going to stand but we are definitely considering putting forward candidates for both elections. We were extremely disappointed at Friday's meeting with the county council.

"Carmarthenshire county councillors have come out with their views on the hospital options put forward. Why can't Pembrokeshire County Council do the same?"

An angry vice-chairman Cherie Harvey - who refused to say whether she would be one of the candidates - said: "SWAT was described by one councillor as being too emotional'. What's wrong with being emotional over trying to save our hospital?

"We are a voluntary organisation. The county councillors have been elected to represent us. They are there to do a job and to fight for the county."

There was also fury over the fact that SWAT members were barred from the remainder of the meeting after giving their presentation.

Former mayor of Neyland, Maureen Molyneux, said: "Once again the county council has dismissed people and is holding its discussions behind closed doors. When will the council inform the public what its plans are, if any, to save Withybush?

"Maybe it's time the people put pressure on their own council representatives to inform the public what steps they are taking to save and upgrade Withybush, instead of this wall of silence."

Conservative Assembly candidate for Presesli Pembrokeshire, Paul Davies, is already viewing the Swat election challenge seriously.

In a statement issued on Monday he said: "I have made it absolutely clear at every public meeting that I will also fight to save the hospital, and indeed to upgrade our local health services. There is already a save Withybush hospital candidate in place at next year's Assembly election."

q Call for referendum - page 6.