Views sought on future of closed hospital site

People across Accrington are being encouraged to have their say on the future of a community hospital that closed in December.

Accrington Victoria Community Hospital on Haywood Road closed after East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust deemed the building to be beyond repair.

Large parts of the hospital, built in 1894, had issues with ceilings collapsing, asbestos and broken boilers.

The trust's chief executive, Martin Hodgson, said he would work with the community and council to find a new use for the site and an online survey had been created to gauge initial views and ideas.

He said he knew "local people felt upset" when the trust moved out of the building.

"But I am pleased that we have been able to deliver on those promises we made at the time to keep services in Accrington, protect the buildings history and ensure that the community was able to get involved about what happened to the site next.

"The next phase is to work with key people and communities in the area to decide what happens next to this beloved site."

Hyndburn and Haslingden Labour MP, Sarah Smith, will be working alongside Hyndburn Borough Councillor Melissa Fisher, on the plans.

Ms Smith said: "Accy Vic is loved by so many people because of its history.

"The trust is clear it will work with the community to preserve this heritage and that includes the original facades of the building and the character of Accy Vic where possible."

Fisher said the council will also be holding events for people to have their say, including a workshop led by the MP's office and a market stall style drop-in in Accrington Town Centre.

The future of Accrington Victoria survey can be found here.

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