I WOULD like to thank the people of Lydney and district for the marvellous support they gave to our recent Annual Fete in aid of The Friends of Lydney Hospital.

We raised almost £13,000, much of which will be spent on providing important new equipment for the audiology, visually impaired and urology clinics held at the local hospital. This equipment has been requested by the respective Gloucester-based consultants and is not currently available through NHS funding.

Provision of the equipment, which has the full support of local GPs, will mean that the clinics held locally can be more effective for Forest residents and avoid the need for follow-up consultations in Gloucester.

The Friends wish to confirm their continuing commitment to the provision of appropriate hospital facilities in Lydney, under the overall control of NHS Gloucestershire.

The Friends are a registered charity with no affiliation to any political party or organisation. We continue to maintain an active dialogue at all levels with those responsible for making decisions on how the hospital should be managed, and in so doing we will always attempt to further the best interests of local people.

This is our charter and we believe that in pursuing these aims, we have the support of the majority of the local population.

– Tony Midgley, Chair of the Friends of Lydney Hospital.