CHASE Community Hospital has a bright future ahead now the threat of closure has been lifted.

The Bordon hospital could soon be providing extra services, such as GP clinics and a mental-health unit, Whitehill Town Council heard this week.

"There is no danger of it closing," councillor Mark Davison told town council members.

But the new services could cost the hospital its 22 beds - which provide care for patients recovering from illnesses and operations - because the space would be needed for the proposed services.

Mr Davison said, because of his concern and as the council's hospital representative, he told the Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust the council will never support the removal of the beds.

"The only other solution would be if the beds were transferred to a new purpose-built nursing home in Whitehill or Bordon, which is being talked about. It would give more flexibility," he added.

For the full story buy this week's Bordon Herald.