AS Colchester Hospital is already a “quart in a pint pot” organisation working from a cramped site, I was intrigued to read the report (Gazette, July 12, “Hospital land could be sold for housing”) that “surplus” land is be sold.

Can the hospital issue a map showing where this “surplus” land is?

Many years ago, when I was Colchester’s MP, I intervened and successfully opposed a previous proposal to sell land along the Turner Road frontage (opposite the bungalows) for housing because it was said to be surplus.

Just as well, because later that land was used to extend the car park, which even now is not sufficient at busy times.

A similar situation arose with NHS land where the Primary Care Centre was built further along Turner Road.

I recall my conversation with the then Health Minister David Lammy when I pointed out the stupidity of one part of the NHS selling land when another part of the NHS was looking for a site for such a building!

Common-sense prevailed.

Management of NHS land and property seemingly does not bother with the future.

I look back in dismay at the appalling stewardship of those in charge at the time of the former Essex Hall, St Mary’s and Severalls hospitals.

Public assets allowed to decay to the detriment of the public purse and loss of fine buildings whose conversion (as we have witnessed with parts of the former Colchester Garrison) would have been the better option.

Sadly, those in charge of NHS property gave the impression they did not care once the buildings were no longer needed by them.

Sir Bob Russell

Catchpool Road, Colchester