CAMPAIGNERS held an unofficial consultation over a rehab unit being threatened with closure at the weekend.

Highams Court care home, in Friars Close, Chingford, treats people recovering from serious illness or injury, but could be closed after the NHS commissioned a review of services.

Relatives of long-term patients at the unit claim health trust North East London and the City (NELC) has already taken the decision to close the centre before the end of the consultation in August, something the trust denies, and so consulted the public themselves on Saturday, July 21.

Campaigner Jim Fagan, of Keep our NHS Public, collected 160 signatures in Chingford Mount Road in Chingford, calling for the care home to remain open.

He said: "We got an amazing response. It's clear that many people see this provides a valuable service and should remain."

The campaigners are now due to hold a public meeting over the issue at South Chingford Congregational Church in Chingford Mount Road at 7.30pm on Monday, July 30. Speakers are to include a doctor and a patient's relative.

They will eventually present the signatures to the trust.

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