Campaigners staged protests against the closure plans

The Bristol Health Services Plan announced that it would start a new public consultation this summer.

A decision on any revised proposals will not be likely before 2006, the trust said on Thursday.

Graham Kennedy, chairman of the Save Cossham Hospital Action Group said: "I feel ecstatic. It was an ill-conceived proposal, there was public outcry."

Campaigners have staged several protests over the closure proposals, the last of which was outside Bristol Council House last month.

Harry Hayer from the Bristol Health Services Plan said: "We have listened carefully to local people and recognise the strength and consistency of views that have been expressed during the extended consultation exercise.

"Having taken full account of the concerns that have emerged, the existing proposals relating to Cossham Hospital, Orchard Medical Centre and Kingswood Health Centre in their current form will be withdrawn."