I FEEL I must write to correct the misleading letter (You Say, July 2) by Derrick Oliver of Wyre Forest relating to the downgrading of Kidderminster Hospital.

I find it absolutely incredible that the socialists in Kidderminster are now saying it is impractical to have a hospital within 15 miles of local residents. I have never heard such bunkum! It's only impractical because this Government has decided to centralise so many hospitals at the loss of existing ones.

I found Mr Oliver's comments that David Lock was the best MP Kidderminster ever had was again utter rubbish. I have been involved in local politics for the past 20 years, having worked with, Esmond Bulmer, Anthony Coombs and finally David Lock.

I must say I have never seen an MP involve himself in matters that didn't affect him more than David Lock. He turned the entire district council with all its political groupings against him!

And for the record, Anthony Coombs worked infinitely better than any of the others - but then I would say that wouldn't I?

It's sad, because of Lock's attitude, good councillors like Nigel Knowles and John Wardle lost their county council seats. Incidentally, I speak with a small degree of understanding being the only county councillor in Wyre Forest who had no pact with Health Concern and fought and retained my county seat against all the trends.

STEPHEN CLEE,

County Councillor,

Worcestershire.