A PUBLIC meeting, due to take place on Saturday to discuss the future of maternity services at Honiton Community Hospital, has been cancelled.

A PUBLIC meeting, due to take place on Saturday to discuss the future of maternity services at Honiton Community Hospital, has been cancelled.

Honiton Town Council was forced to reconsider the point of going ahead with the meeting after it was revealed nobody from NHS Devon would be attending.

Health chiefs backed out for a second time, saying their own public consultation on the issue is due to get under way.

However, as your Midweek Herald was going to press, town clerk Lyn Hargood was negotiating with NHS Devon.

It has indicated it may be prepared to attend a meeting on May 29.

An official first suggested June 26, after the NHS consultation was complete.

"It's too late," former mayor Councillor Sally Casson told the council's annual meeting.

Deputy mayor-elect Councillor Vernon Whitlock, who chaired a previous public meeting on the issue, said: "I may be being cynical, but they want to come to us last. NHS Devon has not got the message about consultation. With respect, they have got the information."

Councillor Mike Allen said: "Forcing them to give us information is only one step towards forcing proper consultation.

"I am determined we will be consulted. I can't believe NHS Devon could behave in such a pedantic way. It's disgraceful."

Town and district councillor Peter Halse said: "Another meeting without officials is not a good idea.

"We have to speak for the town."

Revisit this website to find out if the meeting will now take place on May 29.