FOLLOWING a meeting held with Northern, Eastern and Western Devon Clinical Commissioning Group (NEW Devon CCG) at Crediton Hospital on July 25, local MP Mel Stride, has indicated support for the retention of overnight beds at the hospital. The MP for Central Devon issued a statement in which he said: "I called this meeting for an update on the options under consideration for future services at Crediton Hospital and the consultation process being undertaken by the CCG. "My meeting follows various discussions with the CCG over a number of months. "I left the meeting concerned that the details around the possible new services are not yet appropriately developed and that the efforts to explain the options to the public have not been suffi ciently rigorous. "As things stand I cannot support any move to remove in-patient beds from the hospital. "During the meeting it was agreed that further engagement with the community and greater details of the proposals are now an urgent priority. "I will be continuing to press the CCG for progress and to fight for the best possible outcome for my constituents - for many of whom, Crediton Hospital is our town's most important asset." Crediton and Area Branch of Devon Senior Voice started a petition against the proposal by New Devon CCG to close in-patient beds at Crediton Hospital. At a recent rally held on the Town Square, more than 500 people signed the petition. To date, more than 1,200 signatures have been collected. The petition can be signed at many shops and business outlets in Crediton, including the offi ces of the Crediton Courier