MEMBERS of the town's Labour group are set to hold 'behind-the-scenes' talks to help 'keep up the pressure' for a new hospital in Warrington.

As previously reported, health chiefs have produced a bid 'designed to alert' the Government of the need for a new facility, with a 'long list' of locations being considered.

Part of the current hospital's estate, on Lovely Lane, is more than 100 years old, with essential maintenance costing around £2 million a year.

During Thursday's health scrutiny committee meeting, Cllr Ian Marks (LD – Lymm North and Thelwall) asked whether there has been any progress on 'improving political input' from within the ruling Labour group.

Cllr Rebecca Knowles (LAB – Chapelford and Old Hall), who chairs the committee, replied: "I think there is growing awareness on the significance of this, absolutely."

It drew a smile from Cllr Marks, who labelled it as a 'diplomatic answer'.

Committee vice chairman Cllr Tony Williams (LAB – Great Sankey North and Whittle Hall) highlighted the challenge to secure funding.

He said: "I am not going to let things rest.

"There is not the money there at this time to take this to a conclusion.

"I think we, as a committee, keep up pressure and I certainly will be speaking to colleagues behind the scenes."

Cllr Knowles added: "In order for this to succeed, there needs to be passionate people behind it and something workable and realistic and the will to make it happen.

"It is really important that this town is well-served for the future, not with out of date facilities."

The bid will have to be submitted to NHS England next month.