Major Boost for West Herts Hospital as Mayor Dorothy Thornhill Secures Land for Expansion Scheme

On Wednesday, Liberal Democrat Secretary for State for Communities and Local Government, Stephen Williams, agreed to a crucial land swap that will finally allow the Watford Health Campus to proceed.

Liberal Democrat, Watford's Elected Mayor Dorothy Thornhill, has been working for several years to provide an adequate, good quality replacement for the 60 allotments at Farm Terrace. The allotment holders are being offered new plots on improved and extended council sites, many of which are within walking distance. The Council decided to make the relocation part of an £800,000 investment to upgrade all its allotment sites right acrodd the Borough.

County Councillor for Watford's Meriden Tudor Division, Kareen Hastrick, , said; "This demonstrates the Borough's comittment to allotments and the social and environemental benefits they bring with them.

This imaginative land swop will open doors, not only for the improved NHS facilities and the new West Herts Hospital - but will also provide 600 much needed, good quality homes and around 1,600 jobs.

Dorothy Thornhill, elected Mayor of Watford said: "I am delighted! We can now get on with sharing the exciting plans for the Health Campus with the community. I would encourage people to come along to one of the consultation events in January and see for themselves how the scheme will transform this part of the town and give us the new modern hospital facilities for which West Hertfordshire has been waiting for so long."

Samantha Jones, Chief Executive, West Hertfordshire Hospitals NHS Trust commented: "We are pleased with today's news, especially as it will allow us more flexibility to provide the best possible services and facilities on the Watford Hospital site. This is good news for our patients and staff."