People living locally are against the changes

A review group set up by Neath Port Talbot Local Health Board recommended the changes at Neath Port Talbot Hospital in Baglan.

This is because the �64m hospital, which opened last November, has been unable to recruit enough medical staff.

But Katie Norton, Chief Executive of the Local Health Board, has denied the unit would be downgraded as a result.

"Women locally are generally understanding of the need for change, and have been supportive," she said.

We are supportive of midwives but this decision is exposing them Rob Williams

"The current consultant led unit there is fully funded, unfortunately it's not been possible to obtain the right staff despite recruiting efforts," she added.

But the recommendations have led to protests from people living locally, who claim they would mean many mothers would have to travel to Swansea or Bridgend to give birth.

Resident Rob Williams has collected the signatures of 5,000 people who are against the move.

He said: "If one person is put at risk due to this cutback and have to travel an extra 20 minutes to give birth then that cutback is too much and we have to fight it.

"We are supportive of midwives but this decision is exposing them," he added.

Katie Norton said the unit would not be downgraded

A review group set up by Neath Port Talbot Local Health Board - which replaced the health authority for the area - recommended the downgrading move for the hospital which was built under a private finance scheme.

It originally had three options to consider.

To maintain the unit as it is, to close it completely or to downgrade it, taking away expert staff such as paediatricians.

It claims the lack of staff forced them to suggest changes and just over a week ago, a recommendation was made to the health trust to make cutbacks.

Midwives are largely in favour of the move, believing they are capable of running such a centre.

If the proposal is finally adopted the new service could be up and running by April.

Chairman of the local health board, Dr Ed Roberts said he recognised the need for further discussion with the community.

"We are confident that the preferred option does offer a positive way forward for the community and the suggestion that what we are proposing is a 'down grading' is inappropriate.

"The local health board is clear that there is nothing second rate about a midwife led unit, and that it had to be viewed as a positive, modern, women centred model.

"I am, however, aware that the process of change will be challenging and will require the commitment and support of our partners. The process of discussion with the local community has to continue, and we recognise that we still have a job to do to explain the changes proposed."