Managers at Aldeburgh Hospital, which is run by Suffolk East Primary Care Trust (PCT), plan to nearly halve the number of beds available.

Campaigners hope a buy-out plan would safeguard the hospital's future.

On Tuesday, the trust said it would be inappropriate to comment on the plan while changes were being considered.

Dr John Havard, who supports the buy-out, said: "It's an idea that's borne out of the frustration that community hospitals are being pushed about, beds cut and people are now beginning to think it's time something was done."