I WRITE with reference to Tony Clay's observations (Letters, December 20), that Dr Richard Taylor "has criticised at every turn, but failed to come up with any constructive ideas".

I believe most Wyre Forest people feel that Dr Taylor's criticisms over the downgrading of Kidderminster Hospital and the subsequent deterioration of health care provision in this part of Worcestershire are fully justified, as the enormous majority gained by Dr Taylor at the General Election clearly demonstrated.

And Mr Clay states in his own letter that Dr Taylor has accepted a place on the House of Commons health select committee.

Surely that is constructive in our MP's fight to restore an accident and emergency department, and other crucial services to our hospital.

Mr Clay criticises Dr Taylor for not fighting to save jobs, but that is exactly what he has been doing for health service employees locally, who are so important for the well-being of us all.

He states Dr Taylor's only significant support from practitioners continues to come from those who are retired, but in the same issue of the Shuttle/Times & News, is the report that surgeons, physicians and anaesthetists, from Evesham to Hagley, have given a vote of "no confidence" against Worcestershire Health Authority and the Acute Hospitals NHS Trust.

Mr Clay informs us that having recently moved houses, he finds himself in the Leominster constituency, "thankfully" represented by an MP he doesn't agree with and whose party he doesn't support - but at least he knows what he stands for.

Well, Mr Clay, what's changed?

DAVID GUEST

Hurcott Road

Kidderminster