SINCE the day Airedale Hospital made public the fact it was considering setting-up a subsidiary company, the idea has been dogged with controversy.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, accusations of 'back-door privatisation' have been banded about.

Despite the considerable opposition, trust bosses decided to plough ahead with the venture.

Now, startling figures showing the estimated cost of the move have been made public for the first time.

And the document makes pretty gruesome reading – over £400,000 start-up costs, and around £300,000 a year to keep the company running.

Of course there are always two sides to any story, and whilst the trust doesn't refute the figures, it says they are only "indicative" and subject to consultation.

Plus, health bosses – in contrast to the claims of opponents – maintain that establishing the company, to run hospital facilities and procurement services, would boost jobs and working conditions.

MP John Grogan is among those who has voiced serious concerns about the issue and he is due to meet hospital bosses to discuss it.

It's quite clear from what is still emerging and the growing weight of opposition, that much more discussion is required.

Such an important decision can't be steamrollered through.

All cards need to be laid on the table and as one late comedian would have said, "let's have a heated debate".