Activists in Andover will be taking to the streets today to raise awareness of ''a secretive deal with the USA that is set to give more power to big corporations".

The day of action in Andover Town Centre is part of a nationwide effort coordinated by independent campaign group 38 Degrees.

Campaigners say the deal could force NHS trusts across the country to open up to American private healthcare providers, and could allow big businesses to sue the government if British laws dent their profits.

Volunteers will be near the Time Ring at 11am.

They’re calling on people to sign the petition against the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP), which will be delivered to politicians in October.

Dean Marriner, a 38 Degrees member from Andover said: “‘TTIP could affect every part of our lives. It will threaten the NHS, watering-down environmental protections and lower food safety standards to American levels. It is an assault on democracy that the public are continually kept in the dark with TTIP and that's why I will be on the street this weekend."

Amy Lockwood, campaigner at 38 Degrees, said: “This Saturday, 38 Degrees members in Andover will be pushing TTIP, the dangerous trade deal, out of secret negotiating rooms and into the public spotlight."

The EU-wide petition can be found at www.38degrees.org.uk/ttip