May I, through your letter column urge the residents of Evesham and the surrounding villages to express great concern regarding the suggested closure of 2 wards thus downgrading the services provided at Evesham Community Hospital.

These decisions are being taken by unelected members who are NOT answerable to the public at large - all being appointed rather than elected by the residents of the area.

Many of us can remember when Evesham had 2 hospitals to serve the town - ie Briar Close & Avonside as it was then called. (Evesham's population was considerably smaller than today). Many people supported the Briar Close hospital by fund raising and public donations, particularly the Day Unit which was funded almost entirely by public subscription, only to see this building closed and sold with all proceeds going to Worcester with no benefits to Evesham or its residents at all - just to balance "the books". Then, following the retirement of the late Dr. Bill Astley, we lost our Maternity Unit.

Two years ago (2003) the Primary Care Trust, who are now responsible for community hospitals and health care locally, produced a report indicating a £5million shortfall in budget provision - and guess what - Evesham had to bear the brunt again. Reductions were made to the Casualty Dept. (now called Minor Injuries Unit), and staffing reductions were made in the day rehabilitation unit. More recently cutbacks were enforced in the physiotherapy department and, as predicted, waiting lists have increased (but no one would listen!)

Enough is enough - may I urge everyone to challenge these proposals. Town/Parish Councils - put this matter on your next agenda for discussion and make your comments to Mr. Ridley at Isaac Maddox House, Shrub Hill Road, Worcester, WR4 9RW. To the residents of Evesham and the surrounding areas I urge you to put pen to paper and challenge these proposals, at the same time, lobby your local MP, Peter Luff , your own doctors and locally elected Worcestershire County Council and Wychavon District Councillors.

This is a very serious threat to health provision for Evesham and surrounding villages. These proposals must be resisted at all costs.

John Smith, Evesham Town, Wychavon District & Worcestershire County Councillor.