Health trusts in Shropshire are facing a �61m deficit by the end of the financial year.

Consultants have been called in to suggest a range of savings which will be decided upon later.

The leader of Shropshire County Council has said it will fight anything which results in any closures.

'Shocking and worrying'

Councillor Malcolm Pate said: "We are concerned about a number of the potential options outlined in the proposals, which could have a serious impact on the health and well-being of people across the county if they go ahead in this form."

He added it was shocking to see these proposals and worrying that the situation had been allowed to get so bad.

The four trusts involved are Telford and Wrekin Primary Care Trust, Shropshire County Primary Care Trust, Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust and the Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Hospital NHS Trust.

The consultants suggest that �2.4m could be saved by the closure of Bridgnorth Community Hospital or �1.8m from closing the site at Whitchurch.

An accident an emergency department at the hospital in either Shrewsbury or Telford could be down-graded to a "primarily non-emergency" role and the role of community nurses in the Shropshire County area be reduced.

Mr Pate said: "Community hospitals provide a much needed intermediate service to help people move from hospital to home.