COUNCILLOR Ian Sharpe's belief that it is better to update Watford General Hospital rather than build a new one does not wash with me ('Hospital needs revamp', Letters, September 4). The possible redevelopment of the site in Vicarage Road is not a sensible or a viable plan to put into practice.

The site has too many disadvantages such as being on a gradient equal to Holywell Hill and has more split levels than a French vineyard. The site's two vital points of access are all fed from the most congested areas in Watford. Because the site is situated in a highly populated area consisting mainly of terraced properties means congestion because vehicles are parked on both sides of the road.

The proposed new car park will still not alleviate the suffering of patients after leaving the car park as they will still have to walk up a hill to access the hospital for their appointments.

With the Listed buildings that are scattered around the site, the construction team will have a massive problem during the redevelopment of the site as they will have to avoid any structural disturbance of the Listed buildings.

There is also a worry concerning the quality of the air in the area. Friends of the Earth has shown that air pollution in the area is of poor quality and that also raises concerns and poses the question: 'Is the proposed redevelopment of the hospital on that site a suitable and appropriate safe site to continue having a hospital on?'

The sensible solution for the people of West Hertfordshire is to have a brand new hospital built in a location central to Watford, St Albans and Hemel Hempstead.

Ernie Mackenzie

Gammons Lane, Watford