A petition containing the names of more than 1,000 people fighting the proposed closure of a popular Bushey care home was submitted to an NHS consultation on Tuesday.

The Save Windmill House (SWH) campaign has gathered huge support since plans were announced earlier this year to close the Everett Close facility and move beds to Langley House care home, in Watford.

NHS Hertfordshire held a public consultation into the proposals, which ended on Tuesday, but is facing a backlash from hundreds of residents who have thrown their support behind the campaign to prevent the closure.

Joint secretary of SWH, Amanda Woolley, of Titian Avenue, said: "We're very pleased with the level of support. We found that people really care about Windmill House, and really care about the NHS.

"We're hoping for a positive outcome now that we have had a chance to get in a lot of views and signatures."

The campaign group began after a public meeting, in St Peter's Church Hall, organised by members of the current committee on Friday, April 1.

An NHS representative spoke to about 80 residents at the meeting, while two petitions, one online and one paper, were set up shortly afterwards.

Committee members also gathered signatures outside shops in High Road, Bushey Heath, last weekend.

The group fears that Bushey residents will lose an "important facility" if the care home is closed, while there are also worries about large developments being built there if the site is sold.

Members of all parties at Hertsmere Borough Council also backed the campaign at a meeting last night (Wednesday).

Mrs Woolley added: "We're going to keep gathering signatures as it is not over yet. There may have to be an appeal - we do not want the issue to go away. We'll continue meeting as a committee and will hold further public meetings if it is necessary."

NHS Hertfordshire is expected to make a decision on the plans later this year.