Politicians in Watford have reiterated their cross-party support to redeveloping Watford General Hospital.

An independent report published this week concluded redeveloping the existing hospital is a more realistic option for West Hertfordshire Hospitals NHS Trust than building a hospital on a new site.

The hospital trust could have as much as £590 million to spend on its facilities.

Campaigners, mostly in Hemel Hempstead and St Albans, want to see a hospital built on a new site - but the report states any completion of a hospital on a new site would unlikely meet a government deadline of 2025.

Read more: Review findings of four potential hospital sites

Watford's MP and mayor both favour redevelopment at Watford General.

Watford Observer:

How a redeveloped Watford General Hospital could look

Following this week's report, Conservative MP Dean Russell said: "In recent years there has been significant investment around the current site such as Thomas Sawyer Way and in a number of units, such as the cardiac centre.

"Even the hospital's proximity to Watford FC - which has often been stated as a negative - has proven to be invaluable during the current crisis and shows the current location has many benefits to staff and patients alike. Many of the heroic NHS staff live close to the current site so it would be unfair in my opinion if the hospital were to relocate.

"I believe it would be such a waste of public money if the hospital were to move, and it would also cause significant delays.

"I strongly believe redeveloping Watford General is the only way to ensure world class facilities are delivered within the government's targeted timings and budgets."

Watford Observer:

left to right: Dean Russell MP, Mayor Peter Taylor, Cllr Asif Khan

Liberal Democrat mayor Peter Taylor is in agreement.

He said: "It's no surprise that yet another independent report has said that investment in new facilities at Watford General Hospital is the best way to guarantee better health facilities for everyone in south west Hertfordshire.

"The time for talking is over. We do not need more delays and we need to get on with investing in our local health service.

"This is a golden opportunity to get much needed improved facilities for patients, staff and volunteers who use Watford General Hospital.

"The government have said they wanted 'shovel ready' hospital schemes to invest in and this scheme is just this. We must now get on with improved facilities at Watford General Hospital and I urge the Trust and the government to deliver on this as soon as possible."

Watford Observer:

Watford Labour has also shown its support to redeveloping Watford General.

Councillor Asif Khan said: "Yet another independent report shows the present Watford site as the most suitable.

"It now needs the government to finally give the go ahead for the investment long promised for residents not just of Watford, but for the whole of South West Hertfordshire.

"It's time to get on and build the hospital - this constant attempt to delay the redevelopment of the hospital is putting lives in danger. It has got to stop."