Ward closure

REPORTS that they are going to close the critical care ward in Bishop Auckland Hospital are outrageous. This ward is excellent and the staff are all first class. Tony Blair and Gordon Brown, and their Government, pulled down one old hospital and the land was given to private enterprise, and since a new hospital opened, that has been continually run down.

What is the use of us paying thousands of pounds to rent this white elephant and we have nothing in it?

This, unfortunately, is not just happening in Bishop Auckland, it is all over the country. Our hospitals have all been replaced by private hospitals. I wonder why? - A Parkin, Bishop Auckland.

Council crusade

CAN I thank the residents of Crook, who attended the meeting on September 27 about whether to establish a town/parish council for Crook.

Although the weather was not fantastic, there was a good turn out and residents heard how a good parish council operates from Samantha Shippen, of Horden.

Many of the questions raised could not be answered - that is a job for a steering group and, I am happy to say, the attendees decided to form such a group, which will be meeting soon.

Details and a rough map of the proposed area for a Crook Town Council will be available from the Crook Community Partnership office in Hope Street - now open Saturday mornings. We are collecting signatures for a petition in support of a town council and should people wish to sign, they need to visit the office.

Once the steering group is formed (more members are needed from all areas of Crook), it will work on gaining signatures for the petition and building a town plan for residents to view.

It's an exciting time for Crook and we hope that the people will be actively involved. - Andrew Hall, chairman of Crook Community Partnership.