WITH regard to Mr Ridley's comment in the Malvern Gazette (February 28) that he would have been happy to stay in the meeting but had been ushered out by council officers, may I take this opportunity to correct the suggestion that he had been ushered out.

Mr Ridley had informed the council that he had an urgent appointment in Worcester at 4pm, one which he could not fail to attend. To avoid him being late for that meeting, Mr Stephen Leese, the council's deputy chief executive had to ensure that he left in time.

I am sure that councillors would have been more than happy for Mr Ridley to stay and answer more questions which the committee would have been able to put to him, especially as councillors have serious concerns over the length of time that the PCT will take to go to, in my opinion, unnecessary public consultation over a new hospital.

The people of the Malvern Hills have already made their feelings and wishes known for a great length of time over their need and requirement for a new hospital. They want it sooner rather than later.

ALEX STEWART-CLEARY, Health spokesman, Malvern Hills District Council, Mason Close, Malvern.