Services at Oswestry Midwife-Led Unit (MLU) were temporarily suspended again on Friday and Sunday night.

The closures come less than a month after the Unit was re-opened after a six month closure because of short-term staff sickness.

After re-opening on January 1, it was also closed less a week later on January 7 overnight.

It was announced on Friday afternoon that services at Oswestry MLU will be suspended from 8pm on January 26 until the following 8am and on Sunday, January 28 from 8pm until 8am.

Ludlow MLU was also closed on Friday night because of staff sickness.

Save Oswestry Maternity Unit campaigner Liz Grayston called the spout of closures "frustrating".

"The closures meant that at least one lady couldn't deliver over the weekend," said Ms Grayston.

"We had a meeting with the Health Group on Friday and the closures weren't mentioned then – the first time we found out was on Friday evening.

"People want to give birth in Oswestry and be transferred there – but these closures make women lose confidence in the unit.

"None of this is a reflection on the staff, but you have to question the management – if they've had this big recruitment drive like they mentioned in the press, and the Unit at Shrewsbury is currently closed - how can there be a shortage of staff?"

Just last week two babies were born at Oswestry MLU.

"School's don't close when the teachers are sick, so why do the MLU's?" continuedMs Grayston.

Women who were booked to give birth at the affected MLUs during the temporary suspension of services were offered a birth at another MLU or the Consultant-Led Unit at the Princess Royal Hospital in Telford.

The suspension of services is because of short-term staff sickness.

At the news of the closure, Sarah Jamieson, head of midwifery at The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust (SaTH), said: “Unfortunately, due to short-term sickness, it is necessary to suspend services at Ludlow MLU and Oswestry MLU.

"I would like to apologise for any inconvenience this may cause."