May I through your letter pages thank all those who signed our petition against NHS cuts in Staines High Street last Saturday.

It was clear from talking to residents that further cuts in our health service whether at Ashford Hospital, St Peter's or further afield will seriously affect our community.

In response to growing concern I have written to Patricia Hewitt, Secretary of State for Health, outlining the views that have been expressed to me.

As a first priority I have urged the Government to state categorically that there will be no further closures of accident and emergency departments across Surrey.

Secondly, that the funding formula that shortchanges our area must be altered.

Our community deserves full funding rather than the continuous cycle of bed closures and job losses.

Thirdly, Liberal Democrats believe that local people should have a stronger voice in their local NHS.

The Government must decentralise decision-making to democratically accountable local bodies. Real consultation with local people must directly influence local health services.

Finally, I have urged Patricia Hewitt to stop the never-ending series of reforms' that result in NHS trusts wasting resources on changes in the system rather than providing patient care.

COUN COLIN STRONG Lib Dem leader of the opposition Spelthorne Borough Council