Maryport cottage hospital overspent its budget by £144,000, it was revealed this week.

The figures were released by the Cumbria Partnership NHS Foundation Trust this week following a Freedom of Information request from Ewanrigg Local Trust.

Ewanrigg Local Trust chairwoman Sharon Barnes said the figure was disappointing but not unexpected.

“The trust has said in its response that when it took over from the Cumbria PCT in 2011 the hospital was performing within budget.

“Since then, in the trust’s own words, the annual funding has been reduced to the extent that in 2015/16 the hospital received £838,000 and spent £982,000.”

She said the Government had consistently said the NHS was protected from budget cuts but Maryport proves it is not.

But she said the figures also proved that removing services from Maryport hospital would do little to reduce the Cumbria NHS debt of more than £80 million.

She said the fight will continue – a sentiment echoed by organisers of the protest march held in the town last Saturday.

Around 400 protestors took part in the march.

But campaigners have warned that it is not the end of the battle.

The focus now, according to SOB campaign leader, Bill Barnes, is to find other ways of ensuring that the Success Regime understands the need to leave Maryport alone.

Workington MP Sue Hayman has persuaded Success Regime chairman Sir Neil McKay to visit Maryport before any final decisions are made.

Mr Barnes said on that day the whole of Maryport should be present to ensure he is left in no doubt about the strength of feeling in the town.

“Keeping the momentum going will be a challenge after Saturday’s march. I had expected a lot of people but not this many,” he said.

“It is now essential to surge forward.”

Campaigners meet at Ewanrigg and Netherton Community Centre on Ennerdale Road on Wednesdays to discuss strategy. Anyone is welcome at those meetings.

Last week the campaign was taken to Flimby and on Wednesday the meeting will be held in the village hall in Dearham to give people there a chance to have their say.