THE public inquiry into the future of the site of Alton's Lord Mayor Treloar Hospital ground to a close on Friday last week, having over-run its three day schedule.
Government inspector Alan Novitzky, having now heard hours of evidence from both sides - many Altonians' determination to reopen their cherished hospital and the NHS's need to get the best possible price for the site - now has to weigh the matter according to planning policy guidelines.
A full version of this story will be found in the Alton Herald of February 11, 2000.