Protesters hit the streets of Epsom on Wednesday in a bid to protect the NHS from becoming 'irreversibly privatised' by a controversial trade deal.

The People’s NHS warn that the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP), currently being negotiated by the US and the European Union, would allow the health service to fall into the hands of private corporations without the public's consent.

Activists camped out in Gainsborough Road with banners and planted mock estate agent signs in front gardens to signify that ‘the NHS is not for sale’.

Steve James, of the People’s NHS South East, said: "We want to let David Cameron, Jeremy Hunt and Chris Grayling to know that the NHS is not for sale.

"We want to see it excluded from TTIP, so private corporations can’t get their hands on it. France managed to get their film industry excluded and we want the same.

"We see this as the start of a slippery slope towards full privatisation, which is unacceptable. And because it’s being negotiated behind our backs in secret we desperately need to raise public awareness.

"The NHS is something we, as Brits, are all really proud of. We own it and it should always be in public hands.

"Everyone was born in an NHS hospital and everyone realises the historical significance of it. It’s a cause close to everyone’s hearts."

The People's NHS did run afoul of one local resident, who claimed a mock For Sale sign was planted in her hedge without her consent.

However, the activists deny this allegation, saying the sign was actually in her next door neighbour's hedge.

While in Epsom, the People’s NHS South East said they would also seek a meeting with local MP Chris Grayling, when they will hand in a petition signed by over 600 local residents from across the political spectrum.

Mr Grayling said: "The Government has no intention of either privatising or undermining the National Health Service.

"The private sector has always played a small but important role in health in the UK, but we have no intention of making big changes.

"This campaign is simply scaremongering against a free trade agreement that could help create jobs in British businesses selling more to the United States."