A demonstration against NHS cuts gained hundreds of supporters in Hitchin town centre at the weekend.

The Comet: Anne Holland at the North Herts People's Assembly demonstration in Hitchin against NHS cuts. Picture: Aletheia MashiriAnne Holland at the North Herts People's Assembly demonstration in Hitchin against NHS cuts. Picture: Aletheia Mashiri (Image: Archant)

Some 540 people signed a petition presented by the North Herts division of the People’s Assembly Against Austerity, which rallied in Market Place on Saturday.

The petition reads: “Our NHS was created out of the ideal that good healthcare should be available to all, regardless of wealth. It is what makes our country great. We, the undersigned, cannot standby and allow the erosion of our treasured Lister Hospital and NHS.

“We cannot stand by as people die on hospital trolleys, safety is compromised and seriously unwell people have vital operations cancelled.

“We urge all political parties and health bodies to work together to protect our beloved NHS today and for the future.”

The demonstration comes ahead of a national day of action on February 3, centred around a London march.