Success Regime chairman Sir Neil McKay has promised he will visit Maryport, after meeting with Workington MP Sue Hayman.

Its proposed official consultation into the future of health services across Cumbria, due to start on July 4, may also be postponed.

Mrs Hayman met with the organisation, which has been brought in by the Government to transform struggling health services across north and West Cumbria.

Early suggestions include closing in-patient wards at some of the area's community hospitals.

It prompted the launch of the Save Our Beds campaign in Maryport and vocal meetings in Cockermouth and Keswick.

The Save Our Beds campaign wants Sir Neil to visit Maryport so he can see for himself the strength of feeling in the town and receive a petition against removing beds.

Mrs Hayman said: "I’m really pleased that Sir Neil has promised to visit Maryport hospital to hear from local people.

"I made the request to delay the start of the consultation and I am hopeful that they may agree to a short delay, to allow further engagement to take place.

"It was agreed that the Success Regime would keep in touch with me weekly, so that I can continue to strongly represent the views of local people as the engagement and consultation continues.

“It’s absolutely critical that we get the health services we need and that they are delivered within local communities wherever possible, and that our acute hospitals continue to have the services such as maternity and A&E that are so important to local people."