More than 15,000 joined a protest march against cutbacks in 2002

Two years ago more than 15,000 people marched to show their anger at plans to reduce accident and emergency cover at West Cornwall Hospital in Penzance.

For 18 months a steering group of NHS managers and local people have tried to agree plans for the hospital's future.

But protesters say the progress being made is too slow.

West of Cornwall Primary Care Trust proposed a hospital service in Penzance run by nurses, which would mean emergency cases being taken to Treliske Hospital, 30 miles away.

I think there is determination from the campaigners' side that no-one walks away from the table and I think that is a good sign Anthony Farnsworth, steering group chairman

The mayor of St Ives, Harry Isaacs, said the public was getting impatient with the lack of progress being made.

"I think that is the very nature of large governmental-type organisations.

"All I want is the best possible health provision for the people of St Ives and the west Penwith area of Cornwall."

But chairman of the steering group, Anthony Farnsworth, from the Peninsula Health Authority, said the only way forward was to continue to work together.

"I think the public would be reassured to know the relationship within the steering group has the right amount of challenge in it, but there is also reasonableness.

Negotiating table

"I think there is determination from the campaigners' side that no-one walks away from the table and I think that is a good sign."

Another steering group member, Chris Goninan, said proposals to stage another protest march should be ignored.

"I would hope another march doesn't arise," he said.