MP Bill Wiggin has instigated a debate concerning the future options for the site of the former Ledbury Cottage Hospital.

In a letter to the Herefordshire Council chief executive, Neil Pringle, Mr Wiggin said: "It is my belief that whatever is ultimately decided for the site it should benefit the community of Ledbury."

Mr Wiggin said that he has received a growing number of letters making suggestions for the site which have included a pre-school playgroup, an art gallery, an Internet caf and a hostel.

People's choice

He said: "I hope that the council will give full consideration to the suggestions coming from the people who actually live in and around Ledbury.

"The most important factor in this decision is to try and ensure that whatever is put on the site must be for the benefit of the people of Ledbury.

"I would like to thank those people who have taken the time to think about this important issue and write to me.

"Rest assured that I have taken up all of these excellent suggestions for future use of the old hospital site and will be replying to each person individually."