THE CLOSURE of A&E and the maternity wing at King George's Hospital was decided in a meeting last night at Stratford Town Hall.

Labour Councillor Andy Walker who is campaigning against this decision, said that Health For North East London were unable to give an exact date when this would happen.

He says the report by the health authority also includes plans to cut 27% medical staff across Redbridge, Havering and Barking and Dagenham over the coming years.

Cllr Walker who is a member of Redbridge Health Scrutiny Committee plans to refer the A&E and maternity closure matter to the Health Secretary Andrew Lansley in late January.

"We are hoping to have a big march about this in the new year and hope for the continued support of our surrounding councils, Havering, Barking and Waltham Forest."

A spokeswoman for Barking, Havering and Redbridge Hospitals Trust denied there would be cuts in medical staff, adding: "We are actively recruiting doctors and nurses and have no plans to cut their numbers."