Hospital closure petition handed over

From the archive, first published Friday 23rd Mar 2007.

A petition demanding an end to cuts at Otley Wharfedale Hospital is due to be presented to health leaders on Monday.

The petition, launched by Otley MP Greg Mulholland following an angry public meeting in January, has been signed by more than 2,000 people plus 1,000 who filled out forms in The Wharfedale.

After presenting the petition to the hospital, Mr Mulholland will then bring it before the House of Commons on Wednesday and call on the Government to safeguard the future of the hospital.

He said: "The response to the petition has been fantastic. It is clear that the overwhelming opinion of local people, proved by the huge numbers of signatures on the petition, is that the Wharfedale Hospital provides a vital service to the local community and its future must be secured."

"The message from local people is loud and clear. We will not accept any further ward closures or service cuts and we will fight any more cuts at our hospital."