The research centre has close links with patients

The Gray Cancer Institute has an excellent reputation for its link between treatment and research at Mount Vernon Hospital at Hillingdon, in north-west London.

The West Hertfordshire Hospital NHS Trust, which runs Mount Vernon, wants to move its treatment centres to either a brand new hospital at Hemel or upgrade Hatfield Hospital, both of which are in Hertfordshire.

But people at Gray say moving out of the London, and losing its link to the patients at Mount Vernon, will damage its reputation.

Prof Peter Wardman, from the Institute, said "Today's research is tomorrow's improved treatment. Tomorrow's improved treatment is lives saved.

"Throwing away research is throwing away lives."

What we are trying to do is get something that is best for the greater number Dr Jane Helping from the NHS trust

But Dr Jane Helping from the NHS trust, said it is trying to do what is best for the most amount of patients.

"Some patients are travelling an hour-and-a half or more to get to the cancer centre, while local patients are in a very fortunate position of not having to do that," she said.

"What we are trying to do is get something that is best for the greater number."

There is a major campaign to stop the relocation with a 50,000-strong petition being signed by patients, locals and health experts.

Demonstrations have also been planned and Hillingdon Primary Care Trust is holding a meeting on Friday night to discuss the issue.