Over 4000 Oppose Kentmere Closure As MP Delivers Constituency-Wide Petition

Westmorland and Lonsdale MP Tim Farron has sent out over 40,000 petitions across the constituency, opposing the closure of the Kentmere Ward.

Over 4000 local residents have already signed the petition opposing the closure of the ward and the removal of adult mental health services from South Lakeland.

Since the closure of the ward was announced, Tim has worked with Lib Dem activists and other groups such as South Lakes MIND to oppose it. He has also had meetings with health bosses and the Care Quality Commission.

Tim said: "There has already been an overwhelming response to this petition, showing that local people feel angry and disappointed that the Cumbria Partnership Trust is pressing ahead with plans to close this ward. I am asking residents to return the petition form if they have not already done so, to help keep up the pressure on health bosses.

"At the very least, the Trust should make the necessary amendments to the ward and keep it open until after its consultation into mental health services, which will take place later this year. Mental health services are hugely important for so many people - it is unacceptable that South Lakes residents would have to travel to Barrow, Whitehaven or Carlisle if the Kentmere closure goes ahead."

To sign the petition online, go to www.timfarron.co.uk/kentmereward