SKIPTON MP Julian Smith has met with health chiefs to discuss the future of Castleberg Hospital in Giggleswick, which was closed in April over safety fears.

Mr Smith met with Sue Pitkethly, executive director of the Airedale, Wharfedale and Craven Clinical Commissioning Group, to discuss the hospital and concerns of residents.

The meeting was part of the CCG’s consultation on the future of the hospital and the provision of care in the area.

The CCG is also holding a number of drop-in sessions in Craven during August and September to talk about possible options for the future of the hospital and the provision of intermediate, end-of-life and palliative care in Craven.

"The meeting was a very useful opportunity to engage with the Clinical Commissioning Group about the future of Castleberg Hospital and I was able to convey the concerns of the constituents who have contacted me about this issue," said Mr Smith.

"I know how important this issue is for residents and I will continue to ensure that constituents in Skipton and Ripon are able to voice their concerns about the future of Castleberg Hospital."

Mr Smith also urged people to attend the drop in sessions and make their feelings known.

"For those who have not already made their views known to the Clinical Commissioning Group, I would encourage them to get in touch and engage with the consultation process, including the drop-in sessions."

Sessions will take place on Wednesday, August 9 at St John's Methodist Church Hall, Church Street, Settle, from 2pm to 4pm, and again on Thursday, August 24 from 5pm to 7pm. At Skipton Town Hall on Friday, August 18 from 11am to 1pm, and on Tuesday, September, 5 from 8.30am to 10.30am. At Sutton Village Hall, Main Street, on Thursday, August 31 from 8.30am to 10.30am. At Grassington Town Hall, Main Street, on Thursday, September 7, from 5pm to 7pm, and at Bentham Golf Club, Robin Lane, on Friday, September 15, from 11am to 1pm.

More details about the consultation and the drop-in sessions are availableon the website: airedalewharfedalecravenccg.nhs.uk/initial-engagement-the-future-of-castleberg-hospital-settle/ .