EMBARRASSED Health Trust bosses backtracked today as fury erupted over plans to close a mental health service at Rossendale General Hospital.

Alarm bells rang when an official letter appeared on hospital wards this week stating that the well-used occupational therapy service for patients would cease from tomorrow.

Furious Community Health Council patient watchdogs knew nothing of the cost-cutting shut-down and have demanded urgent talks with senior trust management.

But today, Trust chief executive David Chew said it was all a mistake and gave an assurance to the Lancashire Evening Telegraph that services would continue as normal. CHC chairman Frank Clifford, who learned of the plan via an anonymous call to his office, says there has been no consultation whatever on the withdrawal of service and aims to raise the matter tonight at a special public meeting in Rawtenstall, set to discuss the long-term future of Rossendale health services.

"I am horrified that a much-needed service for the very vulnerable has been withdrawn, without notice, consultation and in a very cavalier fashion.

"Even the staff knew nothing until the letter went up on the wards. I am demanding urgent talks with the trust today - it is disgusting."

He added: "One senior manager has told me the closure is simply to save money.

"What confidence can we have in Burnley Health Trust's assurances on the future of Rossendale when this kind of thing happens? It is another kick in the teeth for Rossendale."

Today, Mr Chew said the announced closure had resulted from confusion on the issue and would not, in fact, go ahead.

"No decision has been made and occupational therapy services will continue as normal," he added.

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