SIR – I have recently signed your petition to keep the A&E open in Stevenage as even in East Sussex where we live I feel strongly that this hospital of excellence should remain accessible to the public. You have a wonderful network of very fast roads all

SIR - I have recently signed your petition to keep the A&E open in Stevenage as even in East Sussex where we live I feel strongly that this hospital of excellence should remain accessible to the public. You have a wonderful network of very fast roads all close by and also excellent access to London.

The hospital which was used by my late father is second to none as are the staff. My father lived for a long time in Stevenage and was taken into hospital last year suffering from inoperable cancer of his gall bladder. Despite his advanced years he was mentally and physically very fit so they tried their very best for him. He was the oldest football referee in UK, Mr Ron Cross.

Unfortunately his case was inoperable but in his last few weeks he was treated really professionally with the utmost dignity for which we are all extremely grateful. The staff are utterly professional and do a very hard job against all odds.

Please support the petition for them as they deserve to be respected for the care they give their patients. Having experienced London teaching hospitals and local ones on numerous occasions I know from experience that the Lister is a centre of excellence so fight to keep it open please.

We will always be so grateful this was available for my father's last days. He is still sadly missed.

Mrs MARGARET HILTON

Wentworth Way

St Leonards on Sea

East Sussex