It's so tranquil out there, it's easier for people to get their treatment and be calm

Ceri Keep, patient

Protesters have accused the council and the health authority of putting commercial interests over social and ecological implications.

Barrow Hospital in North Somerset is ageing and the hospital trust wants to move it to Brislington, in the south of Bristol.

The site it has in mind is 30 acres of open space on the A4174 Callington Road which spans Knowle and Brislington.

Wildlife haven

Local people say it is a haven for wildlife providing a habitat for some rare animal and plant species, including rare butterflies.

Denis Stuckey, chairman of the Knowle Open Space Action Committee, said: "This balanced eco-system will be destroyed if bulldozers move on to the site.

The proposed site is near a busy road

"There is already a development of 200-plus houses being built nearby and planning permission has been granted for a supermarket, all of which will seriously affect traffic in the area."

Mental health campaigners also think the area is unsuitable.

The charity MIND says that patients who need tranquil surroundings will suffer if the new facility is built next to a busy road.

'Tranquil and calm'

That sentiment is echoed by hospital patient Ceri Keep, from the Whitchurch area of Bristol.

She says the move is "atrocious" and is concerned for her future.

"Its so tranquil out there, it's easier for people to get their treatment and be calm," she said.

The ward where she is treated as a day patient is due to close early next year and she fears her treatment may come under a "care in the community" initiative.

"I want them to spend more money on Barrow," she said, "so that people can carry on their treatment there."

A recent meeting of the Bristol South and West Primary Care Group said the trust has worked extensively with the Local Service Development Group in four unitary authority areas to develop plans which would provide for the replacement of Barrow Hospital.

Although permission has been granted to start the scheme, the design of the hospital must now be passed.