The Hands Off St. Cross (HOST) group has announced two provisional marches protesting against service reductions affecting the Barby Road hospital.

It's hoped the marches, involving cross-party councillors and the public and heading from Rugby to Coventry's University Hospital, would demonstrate support for the hospital and opposition against any further cuts.

Cllr. Gordon Collett, county councillor for Dunchurch and HOST member, said he hoped the walks, reminiscent of protests against the planned Rugby airport earlier in the decade, would attract thousands of 'fed up' people eager to show health chiefs their feelings.

He said: "We want them to realise the implications of what they are doing. I'm sure we helped change the government's mind about the airport and I'm sure we can persuade them again to keep services at St. Cross. If anyone is foolish enough not to notice people power, they do so at their peril."

The first march involving councillors could take place before Christmas, with the second larger trek held next spring.

Cllr. Collett stressed both marches were dependant on any further cuts to St. Cross.

Meanwhile, council leader Craig Humphrey has directed £250 of council funds to help the group.

The money, approved a council meeting on Tuesday night, will 'kick-start' the work of HOST, which was set up last month after Conservative party leader David Cameron questioned the hospital's future.

As reported last week, Phil Townsend, Chair of University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, described plans to close St. Cross as 'rubbish' - but could not rule out services switching to Coventry to allow 'best medical care' for Rugby patients.

And speaking at Tuesday's meeting, Cllr. Dr. Ben Ferrett (Lab, Brownsover South) accused political rivals of 'planting the seeds' of closure fears for 'party political advantage'.

Liberal Democrat Party Leader Cllr. Jerry Roodhouse (Lib, Eastlands) said there were 'complex issues' to discuss.