BRIDPORT: Residents have shown their support for a campaign against NHS privatisation by lining their street with placards.

The action by Save Dorset NHS was backed by dozens of Jessopp Avenue residents - who believe the health service should be protected from privatisation.

Jessopp Avenue resident June Russ is backing the campaign and doesn't think privatisation is effective.

“I think the National Health Service is in a pretty sorry state and I think we should stop all these cuts” she said.

“We have to make it plain to everybody that we don't want this because it doesn't work. The original concept of the NHS was fantastic - from the cradle to the grave, but look where it is now.

“All the things they privatise never seem to work in the long term. I think they should keep things like the pathology lab the way it is.”

NHS Not for Sale signs have been displayed along Jessopps Avenue, St Swithin's Road, Fulbrooks Lane, Orchard Crescent and St Andrew's Road - as well as other parts of West Dorset, including Dorchester and Chickerell.

Campaigners lobbied to keep open the pathology unit at Dorset County Hospital earlier this year - but the group are concerned other departments, including the orthopaedic unit could be cut.

Dorset health campaigner Sean Gray said: “There's a real danger that little by little, step by step, the NHS as we know it is being sold off.

“We have to stop this and win back control over our health service and we're very pleased that the people of West Dorset are making their feelings known.”

The group are also worried about the impact of a transatlantic trade agreement - which critics believe could leave large parts of the NHS permanently in the hands of North American companies.

The campaign is being supported by Dorset County councillor for Bridport Ros Kayes.

“The support for the campaign here just shows the extent to which it is ordinary people who are upset about what is happening and not just political activists” said Cllr Kayes.

“It's all very well saying that it's fine for private providers to be chosen to run NHS services because they are cheaper and that it's irrelevant who actually provides the service - but to say so is a gross simplification.”

Jessopp Avenue resident Daniel Carter said: “It's about time that people make their feeling known that the NHS should be protected.

“There is only so much you can cut before it stops working properly, and the general feeling seems to be that it should be protected as it's something we are all proud of.”