Gareth Davies MP has met with health chiefs to discuss the future of the old cottage hospital by Grantham hospital.

On Friday, the Grantham MP met with the Chief Operating Officer, Simon Evans, and Director of Finance, Paul Matthew, of the United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust (ULHT).

The building on Manthorpe Road has been disused since 2006 and has fallen into disrepair after it became too costly to maintain and spending on healthcare services was made the top priority by the Trust.

In the meeting, ULHT agreed to Gareth's request that they consider all the options available to them regarding the future of the Old Hospital and he stressed that there are alternative paths to the total demolition of this historic structure.

This issue has been brought to the MP's attention by the strength of the work of local campaigners to preserve Grantham's architectural heritage.

Mr Davies therefore requested that ULHT representatives engage with the local community and campaigners to begin a dialogue on the future of the Old Hospital, and ULHT have agreed to do so in due course.

They have assured the MP that there are no imminent plans for the site, particularly as the focus is still dealing with the ongoing pandemic crisis.

In a report on the MP's website, it says the MP has written to local council representatives and campaigners to provide an update and will continue to monitor the situation closely.

Among the campaigners are Grantham-born campaigner Daniel Beck, and Grantham health campaigner and councillor, Ray Wootten.

As previously reported by Nub News, Coun Wootten will at a meeting of South Kesteven District Council tomorrow be calling on the council to ask ULHT engages with councillors and residents before demolishing the building.

A related petition from Daniel Beck has attracted 1700 signatures demanding the building be saved.