All locked out'“ but there was plenty of room inside

Health chiefs decided to restrict numbers to ensure the consultation meeting was productive. It led to volatile scenes outside the meeting in Chichester when hordes of chanting campaigners were told they would not be getting into the meeting.

Despite the fact The Venue can accommodate 600 people, officials decided to limit the numbers to just 360, leaving hundreds of queuing residents locked outside.

'How can they call this a consultation when there are hundreds of people waiting to get in and express themselves?' said disappointed campaigner Michael Bailey, who was among those left outside.

'It's an absolute disgrace. The proverbial and the brewery comes to mind.'

Supporter Jean Crouch, who travelled to the Friday-night meeting from Bognor Regis, was equally angry.

She said: 'I think this says everything about the organisation of the PCT. They can't even organise a meeting, let alone the health service.'

The PCT, which has put forward a proposal to downgrade the Chichester hospital, defended its decision to half fill The Venue, arguing this was the best number of people to allow a constructive two-hour meeting to take place.

'Even at this meeting, not all of those who wanted to ask a question were able to,' said chief executive John Wilderspin.

'The purpose of these meetings is for us to tell the public about the proposals and hear their views in a constructive way.

'This is why we took the decision to limit the meetings to around 350 people because that is a good size which will allow us to hear the strength of feeling, hear a very wide range of views and talk about the issues.'

Mr Wilderspin expressed his regret so many people were left disappointed, but said there were still plenty of other opportunities for residents to get involved.

MP Andrew Tyrie addressed the angry horde, who had struck up the chant 'save St Richard's, save St Richard's' and promised to raise their issues at the meeting.

'I am very disappointed for the 1,000 members of my constituency who were not able to get into the meeting,' he said. 'The real meeting was outside.'

Panelist Dr Marjory Greig, who co-chairs the Support St Richard's campaign with the Chichester MP, said she was sorry so many people were left outside.

'But I'm thrilled their presence really did have an impact,' she said.

WE'LL FIGHT ON n Pages 4 & 5

'˜PEOPLE WILL DIE' n Page 9

YOUR VIEWS n Page 13