I HAVE lived in Devizes all my life and now, at the age of 60, I'm very distressed to read we are having our local hospital taken from us and no other plans have been made for another one.

We desperately need a new hospital with all the new houses being built all around us and more people coming to live here.

I think it is taking a risk with people's lives. The traffic has built up so much with more people driving cars. I would think an ambulance would have a job to drive through which would endanger people's lives.

The old cottage hospital saved my life a few years ago with its staff's speed and care. It's a very homely place and the nurses are excellent.

I understand it is very old and needs to be pulled down for more modern buildings.

But please don't do it until it has been replaced by another one.

Maybe Green Lane would be appropriate.

I feel very deeply about this and so do other people from Devizes.

BERYL JOHNSON

Devizes