Campaigners fighting plans to close a popular care home in Bushey are gathering support through an online petition.

The group is also holding two meetings next week for residents to hear the NHS proposals.

Health bosses at NHS Hertfordshire are running a consultation on plans to close Windmill House care home, in Everett Close, and transfer beds to Langley House, in Watford.

The Save Windmill House campaign group is encouraging residents to get behind its campaign and voice their opinions before the consultation ends, on April 26.

Joint secretary of the group Amanda Woolley, of Titian Avenue, said: "We have only got a short time and we want to get as many people involved as we can.

"Since the first meeting we have been really encouraged by the response we have had. We are going out to get signatures on our petition, as well as running the online version and these will be presented to those running the consultation.

"There has been a positive reaction since the news of the plans - this is something that means a lot to people in Bushey Heath. It has struck a chord in the community and we are going to do as much as we can to save Windmill House."

Windmill House treats about 300 patients each year, most of whom are transferred from Watford General Hospital to recover from conditions and injuries including strokes, serious falls, fractures or an exacerbation of long term medical conditions.

Members of the campaign group claim the closure would be detrimental to the village, but there are also concerns that the site, used as a hospital since 1898, would be sold off to developers.

The public meetings will be held at St Peter's Parish Hall, in High Road, on Monday, April 18, between 8pm and 9pm, and Thursday, April 21, between 2pm and 3pm.

To sign the online petition, visit the Save Windmill House website or, for more information, telephone Amanda Woolley on 07904756554, or Lindsey Matthews on 020 8950 2608.