THE future of maternity services in Rossendale will be the subject of a public meeting this month.

Residents are invited to voice their opinions about the impact of a loss of maternity services at Fairfield Hospital, in Bury, and Rochdale Hospital, to an independent review panel.

The meeting, organised by Rossendale Council, takes place at 6.30pm, on May 24, at the Hardman's Mill council chamber, Rawtenstall.

The closure of the maternity unit at Fairfield Hospital was previously recommended by heath service chiefs following a three-month consultation process called Making it Better.

But earlier this year Health Secretary Patricia Hewitt ordered an independent inquiry to review the proposed rearranging of services.

Coun Gladys Sandiford, Rossendale Council's overview and scrutiny chairperson, said the council believed the previous consultation process was flawed and reached a conclusion based on poor evidence.

"I want local people to turn up to the meeting to show their support for the council's campaign."

All comments and evidence presented at the meeting will be recorded and sent to the review panel.