THE deadline for campaigners to submit fresh plans for Chase Farm Hospital to the Health Secretary has been extended by two weeks.

Secretary of State Andrew Lansley had given opponents of plans to downgrade the hospital until April 7 to come up with an alternative to the current plans.

But following a meeting with Enfield North MP Nick de Bois after Monday's public meeting, that deadline has been extended until April 19 so the council can make a proper financial assessment of submissions by campaigners.

Mr de Bois said: “I felt that more time would help our cause and give the council the time they are looking for to save our A&E.

“I also think that it gives us a new opportunity to take on board the information that was revealed from the the meeting on Monday.”

Health bosses in Haringey, Enfield, and Barnet have approved plans to dramatically reconfigure services, including moving maternity and children's services away from Chase Farm and removing its 24-hour A&E department.

But the proposals face considerable opposition from Enfield residents and health professionals, and must still be rubber-stamped by the Health Secretary.