A NORTH Yorkshire town council is backing plans to save its local hospital from further cuts and secure its future.

Members of Whitby Town Council have pledged to meet NHS North Yorkshire and York, the region’s primary care trust, and provide ongoing support to campaigners battling to safeguard Whitby Hospital.

Councillors will also write to the town’s MP Robert Goodwill expressing their concern about the hospital’s prospects.

Coun Dennis Collins said: “It’s a must for our town and the residents. It’s a disgrace we can’t have a Whitby child born in the town again.”

Coun Bob Sigsworth said: “The only way anything can be done is if we fight for Whitby Hospital to be kept going.”

NHS North Yorkshire and York has previously said it has no plans to close the hospital, although it could move to a new, smaller site in the long term.