FRIENDS of Lydney Hospital welcomed a large number of visitors to a garden party on Saturday, but among the fun and games there were some serious discussions.

Many people took the opportunity to express their concerns about the future of health provision in Lydney and the south of the Forest when the town’s hospital closes, said John Thurston of Friends of Lydney Hospital.

He said a board with ‘frequently asked questions’ about the timetable for a new hospital to replace the current facilities at Lydney and the Dilke had ‘prompted discussion’.

“It was a good afternoon with music from three-piece band Banshee and Friends Re-uke-nited and a bouncy castle and entertainer for the children,” he said.

“We were also grateful for the assistance of Lydney and Aylburton Scouts in setting up and putting everything away.

“There were some concerns about the future of health in the south of the Forest,” he added.

“The path seems clear in the north, but there are concerns about what will happen in the south – it will take a lot of people to co-operate.

“I think the awareness of the problem is there and that the will to do something about it will come.”

The summer garden party was held in the grounds of Stonebury, next door to Lydney Hospital.

Mr Thurston said the Friends were pleased that among the visitors were councillors, Forest MP Mark Harper and Labour Prospective Parliamentary Candidate Di Martin.