The decision has provoked widespread anger at the lack of serious consultation with residents and other community groups. More than 27,000 local people have signed Mr Simmonds’ petition opposing the closure and he is supported in his campaign by Gagan Mohindra, the MP for South West Herts, and Conservative councillors in Hillingdon. Mr Simmonds said: “This decision lacks transparency, has failed to consult local people and goes directly against the Government’s own 10-year NHS plan to improve access to urgent and community healthcare. He wants to know what thresholds will be used to determine whether or not the service should be reinstated. “The trust has said that, if the impact on other services is vast, Mount Vernon will be reopened,” said Mr Simmonds.