THE chairman of Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust says it is "disappointing" that Malvern Hills District Council has withdrawn support for its bid for foundation status.

Council members, at their meeting last week, voted unanimously to drop its support, unless the Trust agreed to hold meetings in public.

Chairman Michael O’Riordan said: “We value the relationship with our local district councils and are determined that it will be maintained and developed.

“It is disappointing that the issue of board meetings being held in private has been raised in this way when we are still seeking advice.”