FEARS that Alton and Bordon folk may lose their nearest accident and emergency department and other emergency services at the North Hampshire Hospital, Basingstoke have been allayed by an announcement of a hospitals' partnership.

Following the recent revelation that the North and Mid Hampshire Health Authority is currently overspending £10m a year and the consequent launch of its Health Economy Recovery Plan, combined with the West Surrey Health Authority's need also to save £10m in the coming financial year, NHH has got together with Frimley Park Hospital in a joint economy bid.

A full version of this story can be found in the Alton Herald of November 26.