Today, around 200-300 people marched in Whitstable to protest the closure of Kent and Canterbury Hospital's Accident and Emergency wing, as well as to protest the increasing privatisation of the NHS, and to demand more cash be spent on healthcare in this country.

The protesters congregated at 11:30am down Northwood Road, but were delayed from marching by the police until about 12:00pm. One policeman stated this was because the roads had not yet been fully closed for the march.

The crowd was diversely comprised of people of all ages, locals and people from out of town. Though the crowd seemed passionate, the chanting was rather subdued, at least until the march reached the middle of town. Protesters shouted slogans such as: 'They say cut-backs, we say fight back!' and 'A & E at K & C!'

The local community in the streets seemed largely supportive, with a couple of car drivers honking their horn in support, and one man clapping his hands and nodding his head in agreement.

Once in town, the protesters rallied around a mobile PA system for several speeches, given by various speakers, including Jon Flaig, from the Socialist Alliance. (The names of the other speakers escape me, apologies)

At the end of the rally, many protesters attended a council meeting in a local community house, which one protester exclaimed was chosen deliberately because of it's small size (so fewer members of the community could attend).

This Indymedia reporter was unable to attend the meeting.