Campaigners need your help to take fight over new hospital site in West Herts to court

The New Hospital Campaign was granted permission by a High Court judge for a judicial review, meaning there is a case to answer by local health bosses.

The challenge surrounds the calls for a new hospital to be built on greenbelt land - and the decision by health bosses to instead refurbish the existing hospitals at Watford, Hemel Hempstead and St Albans, with the bulk of the £400million investment at Watford General.

It is not a challenge to the conclusion by health bosses, but the way in which a decision has been made and the procedures followed.

Now they need to raise cash to support the legal fight.

Spokesperson Ron Glatter said: "We are thrilled by the response of the public in West Hertfordshire so far but know we must reach our £20,000 target and would urge residents and organisations to help us do so.

"It is vital that we have state-of-the-art 21st century hospital provision in this area on a clear, accessible site.

"This option has been dismissed by the local health bodies without being given full and fair consideration through public consultation, so the whole process has had no credibility."

Mr Glatter thanked residents for their donations from passers-by at Stoneycroft shopping centre and members from Camalot Rugby Club.

"This is very encouraging and we're immensely grateful to all the members of the public who have generously supported our appeal," he added.

The campaign group will be at the Rainbow stage in Hemel Hempstead town centre on Saturday, November 16, to take donations.

The event will take place between from 10am to 4pm and there will be glitter tattoos for children from 12pm to 2pm.

You can also donate to the legal battle by visiting New Hospital Campaign's crowdfunding page: crowdfunder.co.uk/new-hospital-campaign