The decision was taken this morning at a joint committee meeting of Hastings and Rother and East Sussex Downs and Weald Primary Care Trusts (PCTs).

It means Hastings will keep all its maternity services but neighbouring Eastbourne will have to make do with a midwife-led birthing centre.

More than 30 people made the trip to Uckfield in a last-ditch attempt to make their voices heard at the meeting.

But despite their pleas board members voted by a majority of 11 votes to three in favour of a downgrading services in Eastbourne.

Campaigners have now vowed to take the matter to a judicial review.

The PCTs said it opted to save services at the Conquest because Hastings is more disadvantaged, has more teenage mothers and higher levels of smoking in pregnancy.

The chair of the joint committee Charles Everett, said: "I have looked at all the evidence and I have to say I believe the case for a single site is made.

"I also support the recommendation the single site should be Hastings - we cannot ignore the evidence we have been given."

But Hands off the Conquest campaigner Margaret Williams said after the meeting: "I am extremely sad.

"It is a complete sham. The decision obviously already been taken.

"It is a disgrace and we will now take this as far as we can."

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