INDEPENDENT councillor Helen Dyke has warned Wyre Forest residents not get drawn into a “battle with Redditch” while fighting to save Kidderminster Hospital.

Mrs Dyke was responding to six models for the future of hospital services in Worcestershire as part of the NHS’s joint services review. Two options could see the closure of Kidderminster Hospital.

The future of Redditch’s Alexandra is also under threat, with the hospital fighting to keep its A&E. One option, however, would see either Kidderminster or the Alexandra close.

The Aggborough and Spennells councillor said she and Independent councillor Peter Dyke were “sad to see the hospital one of the subjects of yet another health provision review”.

She added: “It is unfortunate the options appear to have been set out in the way that could set one hospital and area against another while fighting to keep their own local hospital services.

“We must not let ourselves get drawn into a battle with Redditch but must concentrate on retaining our hospital services for Wyre Forest.

“It is imperative all political parties join together to fight this battle. Wyre Forest residents will not be impressed with political point scoring as this issue is too important for us all for those sort of games.

“We are happy to do whatever it takes and work with all other councillors to bring about a positive result for Wyre Forest from this review.”