A&E closure faces legal challenge

The hospital's maternity services will be scaled down under the plan

Plans to close accident and emergency services at Chase Farm Hospital in north London will be challenged in court by the local council.

Enfield Council is seeking a judicial review of the Department of Health decision, which would also scale back the hospital's maternity services.

The council said the closure would "strike a serious blow to the health and wellbeing of our borough".

The Department of Health said its solicitors were examining the matter.

'Enable investment'

A spokeswoman for Enfield Council said the application for judicial review will go ahead in the coming weeks.

The results of any actual review would likely take several more months, she added.

In September, the government along with Barnet, Enfield and Haringey Primary Care Trusts (PCTs) agreed to close accident and emergency services at Chase Farm Hospital.

Under the plan, most of the hospital's women's and children's services will be split between Barnet and North Middlesex University hospitals.

Enfield PCT said the move would enable the PCTs to deliver £100m of investment across health services in Barnet, Enfield and Haringey.

But the plan led to protests from residents, local MPs, councillors and the Save Chase Farm campaign group.

Council leader Mike Rye said: "We have decided to take the legal route as part of our determination to save Chase Farm and keep it at the heart of our community."

He added: "The wishes of the vast majority of residents in Enfield have been treated with contempt by a sham of a consultation and indifference from the Secretary of State."

A Department of Health spokesman said: "The department has received a letter in regard to this and it is now with our solicitors - as is due process - for advice."