Despite reports that the situation is hopeless and that the Lambert has been sold to a third party, I am still working to keep the former hospital in public hands and put to good community use. Over the last days and weeks I have spoken regularly with Hambleton District Council, NHS Property Services, ministers and the Health Secretary to press the case and I am still hopeful that good sense will prevail.
As I have said many times, I will not give up the fight to keep the former hospital in local use as I believe it was intended when it was bequeathed to the people of Thirsk.