A petition to save Keswick hospital from closure has sparked over 35,000 signatures.

The online petition was set up by Chinty Turnbull.

It reads: "We have a fabulous cottage hospital in Keswick, including a minor injuries unit, used by locals and tourists alike which is under threat of closure. Keswick Hospital is the preferred place of care for Keswick people.

"Hospital beds are the bedrock of health services in Keswick. The hospital has never been more vital for our rural, isolated, ageing population.

"The hospital underpins a complete range of community health services. Alternatives to it are unsafe, untested, unplanned and uncontested."

A public meeting was held in the town's Skiddaw Hotel to discuss the future of health services in the area, after options published by the Success Regime, brought in by Government to improve services, included removing beds from some or all of north Cumbria's cottage hospitals. 

More than 300 people attended and a senior medic revealed that Keswick's beds may not only be safe, but could actually increase from 12 to 16.

Former mayor Paul Titley said: "At another meeting at Keswick School last week we were told again that it's likely we'll have four more beds. There were around 500 people there.

"Our concern was that if they started chopping away beds from the community hospital, the next time it will go completely.

"Over 30,000 signing the petition is absolutely fantastic if you think that only 5,000 people live in Keswick. It shows that people really care about their hospital. We pay enough of the rural penalty with things such as public transport and broadband. I know the scenery is nice here, but we shouldn't be paying a penalty for every aspect."

Clare Druce, who signed the online petition, said: "Many patients are sent too far away from their homes when unwell, then sent home prematurely. Keswick hospital is well placed to avoid this, serving the local community. It should not be closed down!"

Rosemarie Shapland said:"Our population is rising and there are more older people with medical needs unable to travel too far. We need all our hospitals and especially the really good ones."

To sign the petition, visit  www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/169/421/761