PRIOR to the local government elections in May, Kidderminster Hospital Health Concern candidates circulated thousands of leaflets emphasising their "independence". They were not to be regarded as political candidates in the sense that Conservative, Labour and Liberal Democrat nominees were.

How strange then that their Wyre Forest agent Malcolm Cooper was quoted in a West Midlands regional newspaper as saying that Health Concern was now an efficient, active, political party.

Health Concern really cannot have it both ways. It has membership lists, people have to apply to join it. It disciplines its district and county council members, it is organised as a political group on Wyre Forest District Council and Worcestershire County Council, with leaders, deputy leaders etc.

It is registered nationally as a political party.

Therefore, let us have complete political honesty from them. Let them show their true colours - and be proud of them.

The only real difference between Health Concern and the other political parties is that it is basically a single issue party. It wants to see all the former facilities returned to Kidderminster Hospital (as many of us do) - and that is nothing to be ashamed of.

Stand up and be counted.

JAMES MILLINGTON

Mitton Gardens

Stourport