A GOVERNMENT minister has been accused of "snubbing" Hartlepool after declining the chance to hear concerns about the future of the town's hospital.

There have been long-running worries over the future of the University Hospital of Hartlepool after some services, including A&E, were transferred to Stockton.

A new hospital is proposed for Wynyard, between Hartlepool and Stockton, but that has been repeatedly delayed, causing Hartlepool Borough Council to request an urgent meeting with Health Minister Jeremy Hunt.

A letter from the council to Mr Hunt was signed by the authority's chief executive Dave Stubbs, ceremonial mayor, Stephen Akers-Belcher and all other councillors after a heated public meeting and a 12,000-strong petition demanding services are returned.

Mr Hunt has now replied to say he was unable to meet anyone from the council, arguing decisions about the delays to building a new hospital are taken by the North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Trust and not central Government.

In the letter the Conservative minister said: "I do not consider a meeting with me at this time would be helpful. Whilst I appreciate that this may be a disappointing reply, I hope it clarifies our position on the matter.”

Last November Alan Foster, chief executive of the North Tees and Hartlepool Trust, said £200m had been secured for the new hospital at Wynyard, but a further £100m was needed. The Trust was told by the Government it couldn't borrow the money from public funds.

Hartlepool's MP Iain Wright has submitted a parliamentary question demanding a meeting which is due to be responded to tomorrow (Friday, January 9) and he described Mr Hunt's decision as "a snub" to the town.

Cllr Stephen Akers-Belcher, said: “It is hugely disappointing.I know Mr Hunt will be a busy man but we are only seeking an hour of his time and are prepared to meet him at any location and at his convenience.”