Fred Mock, of Pembroke Dock, has every reason to be grateful to staff at Withbyush Hospital. His wife has just come out of hospital and he himself has been a patient. "It is a wonderful hospital and I feel very strongly it should not be closed or downgraded," said the 83-year-old.

Along with Ted Owens (left), also of Pembroke Dock, Mr Mock joined other British Legion members to demonstrate their views over the hospital. Dorian Davies (centre), of Clynderwen, was representing his father Hugh Davies, who has been treated in the CCU unit.

Charlotte Rigby is so concerned over proposals to close or downgrade Withybush, she has collected 2,800 signatures opposing plans.

"It will be shameful if we lose Withybush and its services. I have pins in my kneecaps and ankles and I need to go to hospital for regular check-ups. It would be very difficult for me to get to Whitland or Carmarthen," said Mrs Rigby, of 42 Trafalgar Road, Milford Haven.

The NHS Trust board met last week to give its support to a new £8million A&E Department at Withybush Hospital.

The board approved of the third option - a partial new-build and partial refurbishment of the existing department.

No mention was made to the future of Withybush Hospital in light of the Designed to Deliver document.

Acting director of operations Mags Barnaby said the current A&E facilities were outdated.

"The new facility will be able to cater for 50,000 patients each year. There will be space to separate those with minor needs from those with major illness and injury.

"The case we have put forward allows for building work to start early in 2007 with the new facility up and running by March 2008."

Following the Trust Board's approval the plan will be referred to the Welsh Assembly's regional office for early consideration.