AN apparent property exodus in a leafy suburb of Stockton turned out to be a publicity stunt by The People’s NHS, claiming the National Health Service could be privatised under a trade deal.

Mock hoardings with the slogan “stop the sale” were pitched up in the gardens of numerous homes in Hartburn from fictitious estate agents ‘Cameron & Hunt’.

Backed by many residents on five streets in Tory MP James Wharton’s Stockton South constituency, campaigners dressed as doctors to appeal to Prime Minister and Health Minister, Jeremy Hunt.

They fear parts of the NHS could be sold off to America under the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP).

However, the UK government has said it has no plans to exclude the NHS, or any other public service from the free trade agreement being negotiated between the EU and US, Trade Minister Lord Livingston said.

He explained that TTIP would not have any impact on the NHS and therefore the UK negotiation team will not push for its exclusion.

But Cath Briggs of The People’s NHS North-East, said: “The UK’s entire health system is now up for sale because of the coalition government’s Health and Social Care Act.

“Since 2012 almost 70 per cent of NHS contracts put up for sale nationally have gone to the private sector. This action is a strong message to James Wharton that his constituents oppose the Tory agenda to hand our NHS to the profit driven companies.

Tim Oxnard, Linden Avenue resident, said: “James Wharton has engaged with us on other issues but not this one. I have had heart problems and the standard of care I have had from GPs to hospitals in the area has been fantastic.

“We expect our local MP to call on David Cameron to ensure he uses his veto in Europe to protect the NHS,” said the 40-year-old public sector worker.

Ronald Hart, 80, of nearby Willowdene Avenue, added: “I would hate to see the NHS sold off, it’s the last thing we have got.”

Labour MP for Stockton North, Alex Cunningham said: "It is time for the Government to step back, remember that the NHS is a much loved and respected part of our public services and it is not right for huge companies, many of them from overseas, to make vast profits when that money can be invested I better patient care and put an end to the lengthening waiting lists. Mr Wharton needs to take note."

Mr Wharton was unavailable for comment.