COUNCILLORS in Richmondshire have thrown their weight behind the campaign to secure under threat health services at Northallerton’s Friarage Hospital.

The full council unanimously voted to support local MP Rishi Sunak in his calls for the health authority to provide a clear strategy for the short, medium and long term future of the hospital.

They are calling on the Hambleton, Richmondshire and Whitby Clinical Commissioning Group and the South Tees NHS Foundation Trust to recognise the "high level of public concern" and reconsider plans to transfer more services to other hospitals and institutions.

“This council is gravely concerned about proposed further reductions in healthcare services provided at the Friarage,” said leader Cllr Yvonne Peacock.

“It provides vital services for the people of Richmondshire – we have already lost enough from this hospital, we do not want to see more being relocated to Middlesbrough’s James Cook Hospital which is a long way from our district.”

The motion was proposed by Cllr John Blackie.