SIR – It is unbelievable that anyone could think of demolishing the old hospital in Landsowne Crescent, Malvern.
It was given to the people of Malvern by Cyril Dyson Perrins in 1911. 
The Friends of Malvern Hospital was founded in 1948 for the purpose of providing items of equipment for the benefit of patients and staff. 
Over the years subsequent committees worked tirelessly to do that. Patients who were happy with their treatment gave donations, and people left money in their wills.
There are so many former patients who loved the hospital, and want it to be retained.
The building is unique, and part of Malvern.
Come on, people of Malvern, say, “No”.
SHEILA YOUNG
Chairman, Friends of Malvern Community Hospital

Please don’t let your
child go up in flames
SIR – Around a year ago I bought my granddaughter a Snow White costume for Christmas and was subsequently horrified to discover, via a television programme, that these sorts of children’s costumes can catch fire in seconds and engulf a child in flames.
I made sure it was scrapped and could never be used again.
It’s coming up to Halloween and similar costumes are on sale. 
My newspaper says these types of costumes catch fire in six seconds or less. So can I ask through the Worcester News that parents think very carefully about whether or not is is worth the risk of allowing their children to dress up in such apparently incendiary clothing, especially when 20 children reportedly went up in flames last year.
My memory is now hazy but I understand Claudia Winkleman’s daughter was wearing one of these costumes last year, and when it caught fire and went up in flames she was reportedly badly injured.
To those businesses who might want to claim the sale of these costumes is legal I would say this. If my newspaper is correct, and they do indeed burst into flames in six seconds or less, then in my opinion you have no moral right to sell such products for use by children. I wish to make it clear that what I have written here is my opinion and those responsible for children should check the facts for themselves.
N TAYLOR 
Worcester

These new homes are 
not being built for us
SIR – I am baffled why Wychavon District Council would collude with speculators from Sheffield to build expensive executive houses on a local historic beauty spot for sale to 
Bristol/Cheltenham commuters and to provide second-homes for Londoners. 
The scripted mantra of homes being needed for your children and grandchildren given as a justification is patently specious.
Low local incomes, a statistic itself inflated by Wychavon’s high-salary structure, will largely preclude local purchases.
The aim of these plans was to “simply identify” sites for future local housing to meet local needs with as little environmental impact as possible. Democratic processes and details were to follow at the planning stage.
A freedom of information request has compelled Wychavon District Council to reveal previously undisclosed information which indicates that planning can now only be a formality given their intimate dealings with Hallam’s agents.
The role of our local councillors is worthy of scrutiny. When these proposals were first mooted one local Wychavon councillor declined to discuss the issues until detailed proposals were available.
Fat chance now. The decisions were left to other Wychavon councillors with no local knowledge.
TONY CHIDGEY
Evesham

The professionals will
need to watch out
SIR – Last Thursday evening we went to see Phoenix Theatre Youth Group’s Joseph and His Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at Evesham Arts Centre. 
What a fantastic production it was. Totally professional – from amateurs! 
The set, lighting and costumes were outstanding. The youngsters  clearly enjoyed every moment. 
It was all so slick and colourful, it could have been a West End production, the cast brimming with musical and acting talent. 
COLIN AND CHERYL MERRIMAN 
Evesham