WARRINGTON is being urged to ‘keep the pressure up’ to ensure the Government delivers a new hospital for the town.

Council chief executive Steven Broomhead said, although the council is awaiting a decision on whether the Warrington will get funding for a new hospital, it is not aware of when the Government is expected to make an announcement.

Labour Warrington North MP Charlotte Nichols has issued a statement on the matter.

She said: “From my postbag and speaking to constituents I know that the need for a new hospital has never been greater and we’ve waited so long already.

“I last raised this in the Commons in September and was told by the then-health secretary that the proposals were still being considered.

“Of course all the ministers have changed again since then and the new Chancellor is talking about making cuts to the capital programme, so nothing is guaranteed.

“We need to keep the pressure up and make sure that the government keeps its promise and finally delivers the new hospital that we need and deserve.”

Meanwhile, Tory Warrington South MP Andy Carter said: “During the financial statement on Thursday, the Chancellor confirmed that the new hospital programme will continue.

“I recently asked the health minister to come to Warrington to meet with myself, the council and NHS Trust in Warrington so that she can see the issues we face in the town.

“I’ve raised our need for a new hospital in Parliament and during discussions with the health secretary.

“The Prime Minister came and visited Warrington Hospital earlier this year as a result of me raising our needs in Prime Minister’s Questions. This is a priority for me and I’ll continue to campaign for better healthcare in the town at every opportunity.

“Warrington has put together a strong submission, we’re asking for more than £370 million, which is not an insubstantial amount but which will deliver a new state-of-the-art hospital in the town, a larger A&E unit, more beds and improved parking, catering for the growing population over the next 50 years.

“I understand the Department for Health and Social Care are working to shortlist applications and they intend to make further announcements shortly.”