A DECISION by the Airedale, Wharfdale and Craven Clinical Commissioning Group to refurbish and re-open Castleberg Hospital in Settle has been welcomed by Julian Smith, MP for Skipton and Ripon.

A meeting of the governing body of the Airedale, Wharfdale and Craven CCG voted unanimously this week to keep the hospital open.

"I am pleased to hear that the governing body has made the decision to keep the hospital open, this reflects the feeling of many of the constituents that contacted me and I am delighted that I was able to represent their views in conversations and meetings with the CCG," said Mr Smith.

"I pay tribute to the many residents and community groups that engaged so fully with the consultation process."