THERE is disappointment amongst local campaigners that proceeds from selling the Westbury Hospital land will be reinvested in the NHS nationally and not focused on improving health services in the town.

Ever since the hospital was closed down in 2004, residents have been campaigning for better health care in Westbury. Now the hospital sale has gone through, they have been finally told the funds will be distributed nationally.

Erica Watson, former chairman of the Westbury League of Friends, said: “The Westbury community have donated over £1.5 million for the hospital and health care in the town and surrounding villages and for this huge contribution to be ignored and never acknowledged by the NHS is disappointing at best.

Westbury appears to have to get used to being seen as bottom of the list for any improvement or investment in healthcare. Our GP surgery provides many services and the community appreciate how busy all the staff there are but the town still does not enjoy the facilities that other Wiltshire towns benefit from.”

A spokesman for NHS Property Services said: “Receipts from the sale of NHSPS properties are pooled at a national level and the investment directed to where it is most needed.”

It was also announced this week that developers Backhouse have won permission to build 56 new homes on the hospital site.

MD Steve Russell said: “We are really pleasedto create these homes for Westbury.

“Throughout this process we have been aware of the importance of the site to the people of Westbury and worked closely with the council and community groups to create a scheme that reflects the town’s rich history and its ambitions for the future.”