But Andy Rogers, 37, from nearby Studley, Warwickshire, said he thought the option of a Birmingham trust taking over some some services "could work".

BBC: A&E at Redditch's Alexandra Hospital may be downgraded

Fourth seed Andy Murray, fresh from his Rogers Cup victory in Toronto on Sunday, received a first-round bye, alongside the other top eight players in the world.

BBC: Andy Roddick through to Cincinnati Masters second round

Election candidates announced so far are: Craig Clarke (Independent), Tim Collins (Independent), George Ferguson (Independent), Geoff Gollop (Conservative), Neil Maggs (Respect), Spud Murphy (Independent), Eric Mutch (Independent), Daniella Radice (Green), Marvin Rees (Labour), Jon Rogers (Liberal Democrat) and Andy Thorne (Independent).

BBC: George Ferguson