HEALTH bosses are believed to be on the verge of producing a new document outlining the fate of Ilkley's Coronation Hospital.

The threat of closure has been hanging over the Springs Lane hospital since spring last year but residents have been anxiously awaiting for the Airedale Primary Care Trust (PCT) and Airedale NHS Trust to publish their plans for the future.

The closures of Ilkley, Skipton and Bingley hospitals are being considered in a bid to cut an estimated £2.8 million budget deficit.

But the plans to close Coronation Hospital hit a snag when alternative treatment space at the Springs Medical Centre was taken by a private health care business. This led to a delay in publishing the final consultation document while alternative space was sought.

So far, more than 10,000 people have signed a petition against the closure plan. Most people in the town want the hospital to remain open with the same level of services operating from there.

Last month the former chairman of Ilkley Parish Council, Michael Gibbons, told fellow councillors he had seen what he believed to be a draft consultation document which outlined a number of options - apart from leaving the hospital open.

Coun Gibbons said: "It's fair to say that the consultation document hasn't been presented, but I have to say initially that I certainly don't like what I see."

Now the Gazette believes that the health chiefs have been preparing another consultation document - this time including the option of leaving the hospital open and keeping services there.

Trust bosses are due to meet Ilkley Labour MP Ann Cryer later this month to discuss a range of health issues.

A spokesman for Mrs Cryer said that the proposed closure of Ilkley's Coronation Hospital would be top of the agenda for that meeting on Friday, June 27. And the Gazette believes that the trust might produce the new consultation document then.

A spokesman for the PCT said that there would be no public announcement of the content of the consultation document until next month.

The PCT will call a special board meeting and release public statements outlining the plans.

But some in Ilkley fear that both trusts have made up their mind to save money by closing the hospital and moving many services to Airedale General Hospital, Steeton, near Keighley.

Asked about the delay, long time closure opponent Ilkley parish and district councillor Anne Hawkesworth said: "I don't mind how long it goes on if in end we achieve what we want to achieve.

"What I find absolutely ludicrous is dragging it on if they have already made up their minds what they are going to do - I fear that is the case but we shall see."