RE your report about the proposal to close the newly-opened stroke unit at Darlington Memorial Hospital and centralise all County Durham’s acute stroke services at the University Hospital of North Durham in Durham City (Echo, Jan 12).

This goes against the current TV advertising campaign referring to stroke victims. The advert points out the signs to look for and describes when it is time to dial 999, mentioning that the quicker you act the more of the person you save.

With all the various changes that The Northern Echo has reported with regard to the downgrading of healthcare in our area I feel it is an absolute disgrace – as I am sure many readers will agree – and our local MPs should fight to stop this happening.

JM Gowland, Heighington, near Darlington.