UNDERSTANDABLY, there are concerns over the downgrading of the maternity unit at Bishop Auckland General Hospital.

The admission that there was inappropriate care given to Andrea Harrison, who suffered a stillbirth, does not ease those concerns.

The candid and swift response of the County Durham and Darlington Acute Hospitals NHS Trust is to be commended. So, too, is the apparently unreserved apology given to Mrs Harrison and her husband.

The Trust's decision to contact all women due to give birth at Bishop Auckland to discuss any worries is entirely appropriate.

There is undoubtedly a crisis of confidence surrounding the facility at Bishop Auckland. The Trust is right to make every effort to restore the confidence of both pregnant women and members of staff.

However, the measures proposed by the Trust do not address the fundamental concern over the wisdom to downgrade the service in the first place.

A sensible move for the FA

THERE has been criticism that the crackdown on potential troublemakers ahead of the Euro 2004 football tournament has been too draconian.

However, British authorities have a duty to prevent hooligans from travelling.

Despite the fact that the matches are in Portugal, the behaviour of England supporters will be very much our responsibility.

Hooliganism has to be kept to a minimum, or the Football Association will face the possibility of sanctions, including expulsion from the competition.

Keeping known hooligans well away from the possible flashpoints in Portugal is a responsible and sensible measure.