The Better Archway Forum was dismayed to hear of proposals to downgrade the Whittington, a step which could lead to eventual closure. Archway benefits massively from the hospital, with all those who work in and use the hospital contributing to the economy

The Better Archway Forum was dismayed to hear of proposals to downgrade the Whittington, a step which could lead to eventual closure. Archway benefits massively from the hospital, with all those who work in and use the hospital contributing to the economy. Downgrading the hospital would reduce their numbers.

We note that when Islington's consultants were researching support for their mega building scheme in Archway, the chief executive of the Islington Primary Care Trust, Rachel Tyndall, despite living nearby, claimed that Archway needed a big supermarket because there was no fresh food provision in the area - a statement she refused, repeatedly, to retract. Perhaps she is using a similar approach in her planning for the hospital.

Kate Calvert

Chair, Better Archway Forum