Work starts on controversial £6.8m hospital revamp

The hospital's director of nursing David Ackroyd confirmed today Nottingham-based Sol Construction had been awarded the contract to refurbish four of the hospital's ward blocks.

Workmen had already begun preparing the ground and laying cables, he said.

The revamp should be finished in early 2001. The controversial scheme came under fire from locals, who feared the upgrade could pave the way for the medium-secure hospital to take a more dangerous category of patient.

Members of Stockton and Hopgrove Cricket club were also hit for six when they were told they would have to be turfed off their pitch in the hospital grounds while the construction work was in progress.

They feared the 50-year-old club could have fielded its last over unless an alternative pitch could be found.

Mr Ackroyd repeated assurances today there would be no changes in the kind of patients treated at the hospital, and no need to upgrade security.

He added he understood the cricket club had now found a new pitch.Club vice-chairman and second team captain Nigel Collinson confirmed it had arranged to play its home fixtures on Sundays at the Civil Service ground at Boroughbridge Road.

In the long term the club planned to move to a secure home at the new Hopgrove Playing Fields, but it would not be possible to play there for two years.

The hospital had also indicated it was willing to lay a new cricket pitch after its redevelopment, but that would not be available for four years.

Mr Collinson said he hoped the hospital would consider donating the cost of laying a pitch - which the club estimated could be between £10,000 and £20,000 - to help their move to the Hopgrove site, where they would have a long term lease.

"We are looking to get some grants towards it, but anything we got from Stockton Hall towards it would be gratefully received," he added.

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