Advanced cancer care unit for Newbury?

Latest on financial wrangle over dream project

THERE was cautious optimism this week among supporters of a proposed state-of-the-art cancer care facility in Newbury.

Earlier this month, the Newbury Weekly News exclusively revealed the ambitious project had been under starters orders – the capital cost of building had been secured and the rest was available in pledges and public support.

But, just as work was set to begin in the grounds of the West Berkshire Community Hospital, it was claimed that bosses at the Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust had announced they were to pull the plug.

Some claimed that, despite being gifted the unit, the foundation trust did not want to be responsible for day-to-day running costs such as electricity bills.

A formal decision was expected on January 21. But the NWN has learned that, following publicity, this decision has now been postponed.

See this week's edition for the full story.