Fears the Minor Injuries Unit at Camborne Redruth Hospital would jeopardise the future of services at West Cornwall Hospital have been denied this week by health officials.

Camborne town councillors said that although they were now prepared to donate cash to the unit, they were concerned that it would undermine the fight to retain services at Penzance.

"I will support it if it in no way undermines the appeal for the West of Cornwall Hospital," said Coun Shirley Collings.

Sid Deeble, development manager (operations) for the West of Cornwall NHS Primary Care Trust told the Packet: "The provision of an MIU in North Kerrier won't jeopardise any plans for West Cornwall Hospital. The majority of patients we are trying to pick up go to Truro and an MIU at Redruth will not dilute the need for those services in Penwith.

"There are completely different issues wider than just an MIU at West of Cornwall Hospital."

Six months ago Camborne town councillors voted to support the MIU in principle only, and refused to give cash.

At this months town council meeting Coun Ron Godolphin argued that: "It will start up sooner or later and with our support it will start up sooner." He called for a £5,000 donation.

Coun Colin Godolphin agreed: "This is something that is drastically important. It will affect everyone living in Cornwall. We should be supporting this whole heartily. If we turn around and say we won't support anything unless the government funds it, this country would come to a standstill. If we sat on our hands nothing would ever get done.

Coun Tony Bunce said he would support the move to give money, but it was against his better judgement. He said the Cornish were always putting their hands in their pockets and asked when would it stop.

Mr Deeble said the campaign had collected £48,000 in its first six months in cash and pledges.

"We want to make a start as soon as we are confident that the funding is in place," he said.