Cockermouth residents will be given the chance to share their views on the future of the town's hospital with Success Regime chairman Sir Neil McKay today.

He will visit Cockermouth Community Hospital to discuss proposals for health care in town.

He will be accompanied by Workington MP Sue Hayman, Allerdale council leader Alan Smith, who is also a Cockermouth town councillor, patients’ groups and other interested parties.

Mrs Hayman said: "There will be a public meeting when people can hear what proposals are likely to be in the consultation and talk to Sir Neil before the consultation is drawn up.

"We will then have a tour of the hospital so that Sir Neil can see the issues for himself.

"It is important that he has the opportunity to talk to local communities about their concerns before the consultation process starts at the end of the month. It is a chance for people to tell him what they want and for him to see the hospital's potential.

"One of the things the Success Regime has talked about is the idea of an integrated community healthcare hub.

"People want to have health services nearer to home, we also need to take pressure off the acute hospitals.

"We have had this beautiful hospital built which is not being used properly, there should be more there, such as smaller surgeries."

Sir Neil will make a presentation from 1pm to 2.30pm, followed by a question-and-answer session.