THE Westmorland Gazette is this week joining forces with an MP to put pressure on the Government to act now to avoid damaging cuts to NHS services in Morecambe Bay.

The MP for Westmorland and Lonsdale, Tim Farron, is taking action because he is extremely concerned about cuts to hospital beds; the possible closure of wards; and the future of maternity and out-of-hours services in South Lakeland.

Mr Farron, who has spoken about the issue in the House of Commons this week, and tabled an Early Day Motion, is now asking readers of The Westmorland Gazette to help.

He would like readers to sign a petition slip (available in The Westmorland Gazette) to convince the Government of the strength of feeling in Morecambe Bay about cuts to local services. He also wants the extra costs of providing healthcare in rural areas to be funded, and hopes the campaign could spread nationwide.

Click on the link below to go to our Health and Wellbeing section for the full story.