Margaret Mann, 82, Thames Road, Huntingdon I think the news is really good. I mean it is essential to have a hospital here. If you have to go to Cambridge or Peterborough you could be dead by the time you get there. I should think everyone in town is gla

Margaret Mann, 82, Thames Road, Huntingdon

"I think the news is really good. I mean it is essential to have a hospital here. If you have to go to Cambridge or Peterborough you could be dead by the time you get there. I should think everyone in town is glad it is staying open. I go up there all the time. I think it's a really good hospital and the people I meet there have been great.

Her message to staff: "If some of the top people gave some of their money back to the hospital, then that would clear some of the debt."

Colin Durose, 62, Brampton

"I think they are just trying to patch up the service. What kind of meaningful A&E could they be keeping? Just dealing with drunk people coming in? Cambridgeshire County Council has just rejected an application from Addenbrooke's to expand a certain area. Why don't they expand at Hinchingbrooke. There's loads of land there and prices would be much cheaper."

Gordon Neil, 56, Ellington

"It's fine having an A&E but what wards are they going to go to? Our transport infrastructure isn't good enough to get to Addenbrookes. It is just not viable."

Ivy Tang, 29, Huntingdon

"It's great that the hospital is staying open. When people are ill they want to go to a hospital nearby. We definately need a hospital in this town. There is no doubt about it. They tax people a lot and they should put more money towards the hospital which benefits all of the public."

Her message to the hospital's staff: "Everyone is supporting you."

Jeanne Stannard, 72, Thames Road, Huntingdon

"I was dreading having to go to Addenbrooke's. I'm pleased as punch that Hinchingbrooke is staying open. I have never heard any complaints about the hospital. I am really happy to hear the news, it has made my Christmas!"

Her message to staff: "Keep up the good work!