Watford needs and deserves better hospital facilities, which is why I have always supported the Health Campus scheme.

Working in the NHS, I am well aware that funding improvements to hospitals is often difficult, with finance usually the biggest challenge. Allowing Watford General to use this land is vital as it gives our hospital the space it needs to improve and expand.

Nobody disputes how upset the Farm Terrace allotment holders will be to see the loss of their plots, but it is important to remember that the council are providing more plots elsewhere as well as giving very generous compensation.

As a former Oxhey councillor, I know first-hand that Dorothy Thornhill will be determined to do what is best for the whole town and this scheme will mean that our hospital can finally make the improvements that are desperately needed to benefit patients and staff.

It will also mean more family homes, public green space, new businesses and jobs and space for a new primary school.

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The opening of the new road, Tom Sawyer Way, next week and a new tube station will mean that all of us will be able to get to the hospital more quickly.

In years to come I have no doubt that most residents will be grateful that this scheme went ahead – and that Dorothy took the necessary, difficult decisions to make it happen.

Shirena Counter, former councillor at Watford Borough Council