IT WAS impossible not to be impressed by the steely determination shown by protesters at the Whittington march on Saturday morning. With many other events planned, the proposals which threaten the hospital s A&E unit are likely to be at the top of the new

IT WAS impossible not to be impressed by the steely determination shown by protesters at the Whittington march on Saturday morning. With many other events planned, the proposals which threaten the hospital's A&E unit are likely to be at the top of the news agenda for a very long time.

It is significant that an array of competing local papers representing more than a quarter of a million readers across five boroughs are all singing from the same sheet on this issue - as were the dozen or more speakers from various political hues and standpoints.

People shouldn't underestimate how tough this fight is going to be, though. Although they were subsequently withdrawn, it's my belief that the four original proposals, all of which would have axed or reduced the Whittington's 24-hour cover, show the true colours of the NHS bosses. Those 'leaked' proposals betray a strong prejudice on their part for closing the unit, well in advance of any meaningful public consultation.

The people, however, think differently and we do, after all, pay their wages - as well as contributing towards a properly-functioning NHS every time we are issued with a pay cheque. Our united voice simply cannot be ignored.

Geoff Martin