A LETTER has been sent to the Secretary of State for Health by an Alcester district councillor, pleading for support over the future of Alcester Hospital.

Susan Juned wrote to Patricia Hewitt after the development planned by a local doctors' consortium was called off this month because a business case could not be agreed with Warwickshire Primary Care Trust (PCT).

"I think we've reached the end of the line and this is a matter of trying to find somebody who can step in that's not from any of the organisations involved," she said.

"This has been going on since at least 1991 and we need to resolve it quickly and with a plan that Alcester can have confidence in."

A notice of motion to district council has been made as Mrs Juned wants to "show that Alcester is united as a community" to get the hospital developed.

She believes the present hospital is simply not fit for purpose and will not be able to serve Alcester for the next 10 years.

"Alcester residents have been consulted so many times and so many promises have been made.

"I dread to think just how much precious money has been spent on the various failed plans over the years," she added.

Talking about the plans on a personal level, Mrs Juned spoke of the importance of the hospital to her and her family.

"After my husband had a stroke it's where I had him brought. The closeness of the hospital to the community meant local friends and relatives were able to call often which kept his spirits high and encouraged his recovery."

Alcester MP John Maples has also written to the PCT.

"There has been endless consultation for more than 10 years. What's needed now is action," he said.

"Warwickshire NHS needs to come up with its own proposal for building and financing the new hospital."