The leader of Allerdale council is helping to drive home the message in Westminster that West Cumbria needs health services close to home.

Alan Smith is using meetings with Government officials about devolution to fight both for better health services and improved transport links.

Coun Smith is part of the Cumbria Leaders' Board, made up of council leaders and voluntary sector representatives, who are meeting with Government officials about devolution of funding and services to the county.

He said: "It's important that we have the opportunity to keep health services in West Cumbria.

"I think the floods drove home the important fact that West Cumbria can be cut off."

Following last week's decision to keep Workington's court building open because of transport problems, Coun Smith has pledged to continue making the same case for the retention and return of services at the West Cumberland Hospital in Whitehaven, and improvements to services at community hospitals.

He said: "What the decision with the courts shows is that West Cumbria’s voice can, and will, be heard by those in government.

"Therefore we need to continue with the same enthusiasm and determination shown to fight for the courts, to ensure we’re not short-changed with our hospital and healthcare.

"As a council we have led on efforts to improve healthcare in our area – be that by getting all the relevant parties round the table to work out how we can address the particular needs of our communities, or by meeting with ministers in Whitehall to put the case for West Cumbria.

"The fight goes on. Our area needs a proper hospital providing a full range of health services for all. We shouldn’t be expecting people to travel huge distances when they get sick.

"The news last week has shown our community has the resilience and ability to win the argument and keep services here.

"The fight over healthcare continues – and I will do what I can to lead and lobby to make sure we have the type of hospital which people here want.”