COUNCILLORS feel health chiefs are asking them for a "blank cheque" by health chiefs to support a new Gravesend Community Hospital.
At an overview scrutiny committee meeting at Gravesham Council last week, councillors said they were concerned about plans to demolish the Victorian hospital.
But Dartford, Gravesham and Swanley Primary Care Trust (PCT) insists this is necessary to build a modern healthcare facility.
The trust is asking for a "letter of comfort" from council by December 20 when it presents its outline business case to the NHS Regional Office.
Councillor John Burden said: "It seems to me there are plans to demolish all the buildings and the PCT wants a blank cheque from us to do what they want."
Councillor David Turner said there was no guarantee land on the Bath Street site would not be sold off.
PCT Project manager Bob Sheridan admitted councillors had to weigh up the "value of healthcare against the value of buildings".
He said "What we mean by a letter of comfort is Gravesham Council doesn't need to be so specific about which buildings are kept." Councillors will vote on December 18.
December 11, 2001 10:48
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