FEARS that charity stalls at Watford General Hospital have been scrapped were proved unfounded after West Hertfordshire Hospitals NHS Trust revealed plans to relocate the service to a purpose-built shop.

Visitors to the hospital in Vicarage Road, Watford, noticed the stalls, which are run by the League of Friends, had disappeared, apparently without any warning being issued.

In a letter to The Watford Observer, one concerned visitor wrote: "People waiting for their appointments like something to take their minds of their problems, to chat with the lady in charge, perhaps to buy and often take items in to be sold.

"With the hospital so desperate for money to buy much-needed equipment, why have they taken away this source of income?"

However, a spokesperson for the Trust has confirmed the stalls have been removed only so that they can be relocated to a new shop on the hospital foyer, which will open shortly.

Fire safety officers recommended the move after concerns were raised about the stalls' location.