ACTIVISTS campaigning to secure the future of a north Durham hospital have received confirmation it is being registered as a community asset.

More than 5,000 people signed a petition in support of Shotley Bridge Hospital, near Consett, after its remaining ward was closed because of problems with the water supply.

The ward is being reopened, but there were fears it would be closed permanently, and could have led to the sale of the site for more housing.

Durham County Council has now confirmed the property is being listed as an ‘Asset of Community Value’ under the Community Right to Bid legislation.

Campaigner Ben Eckford said: “Listing the hospital in this way won’t on its own keep it safe, but it shows the size of community backing for the hospital and the support of county council and makes it harder to sell off the site for housing development.”

Cumbrian developer Story Homes already has 150 houses on a 31-acre site next to the hospital as part of a £40 million development.

It has planning permission for another 70 over the next three years, but will not say if it has any plans for the future.

Stuart Timmiss, Durham County Council’s head of planning and assets, said: “We received an application to list Shotley Bridge Community Hospital as an Asset of Community Value, a legal status which would give it greater protection from development.

“We found that it met the relevant criteria, relating to level of support and benefit to the community, and therefore gave approval.”

Repair work has now been completed and the ward is expected to be reopened in the near future.

NHS Property Services has until the end of March to request a review of the council decision.

A spokesman said: “We are carefully considering the council’s decision.

“As the property is required for delivery of local healthcare services it will continue to be used for that purpose and is not for sale.”