CAN you imagine the outcry if the NHS decided it needed a new centre or hospital for the treatment of patients with severe mental problems.

People may agree that one was required - but not near where they lived.

The NHS have such a centre at Lea Castle, once ranked among the best in the country for treatment of people with mental illness.

This unit is facing the axe after a meeting of NHS trust bosses decided that such a centre was no longer required.

Do the same NHS bosses have a crystal ball so they can say with certainty that such a requirement will not be needed in the future?

From where I am standing the stress that people are being subjected to today in all aspects of life, would make me think that many more people will require mental health support in the future.

J HADLEY Beechcote Avenue Kidderminster