Options for the future of Maryport's cottage hospital have been presented to the Success Regime.

Members of Maryport Health Alliance, formed from the Save Our Beds campaign, Ewanrigg Local Trust, local GPs, hospital staff and League of Friends, met with representatives of the regime, which is looking at the future of healthcare in West Cumbria.

They presented two options to the Success Regime, both dependant on Maryport being allowed to retain and handle its own budget.

Option one would see a smaller eight-bed unit running 24/7 focusing on short stay rehabilitation and reablement.

The estimated cost would be slightly lower that the present £963,000 running costs because of a slightly lower nurse cost but increased therapies.

This option has strong support from the community, local action groups, the hospital League of Friends and the local GP practice who feel this will give the best care for older vulnerable patients.

Option two would see the hospital running seven days a week but without overnight stay.

This would release £373,000 by not staffing evening and night shifts.

Benefits would include the ability to hire another doctor, development of an integrated community care system and reducing the 29,572 journeys taken out of Maryport for access to acute hospital care and outpatient care.

Kate Whitmarsh, development officer for Ewanrigg Local Trust, said: "The Success Regime approach and plans have caused outrage among thousands of people in this area.

"But the problem isn't with us. It is with Central Government who have fragmented the NHS to such an extent. I think it is just a slide into privatisation.There is no joined-up adult thinking, there is no common sense."