Services may be cut at the Royal Cornwall Hospital

The Royal Cornwall Hospitals Trust is considering closing a hospital, wards and other departments to tackle a projected �31m overspend.

Penwith District Council has threatened the trust with legal action if it withdraws services without proper public consultation.

The march through Hayle is set to take place on Sunday.

The trust said it was looking at several options to reduce its projected deficit.

I think that the people of Cornwall don't trust the trust Jim McKenna, Penwith Council

They include the possible closure of St Michael's Hospital in Hayle, the loss of the emergency department at West Cornwall Hospital in Penzance, or cuts in wards and services at the Royal Cornwall Hospital in Truro.

Organisers of the march said they expected massive support from people keen to show their resistance to the loss of hospital services.

March co-ordinator John Bennett said: "About 20,000 people turned out for a march in Penzance a few years ago when 1,000 were planned for.

"We're hoping at least that many this time and hopefully many more. We're angry now that they weren't heard the last time."

Trust obligations

Meanwhile, Penwith District Council has earmarked �15,000 for possible legal action against the trust.

Council Chief Executive Jim McKenna said: "I think that the people of Cornwall don't trust the trust.

"We are very concerned about the proposals we're hearing about for the removal of services, the closing of wards and, ultimately, the redundancy of hundreds of Cornish people.

"So we're taking this action to protect health services, to enhance health services and to look after the best interests of the people we serve."

The Royal Cornwall Hospitals Trust said changes were inevitable to ensure safe and affordable health services, but added that the views of Cornish people would be sought.

Dr Mike Coupe of the trust said: "We're quite clear that we will be going out to consultation.