TWO public meetings will be held to ensure the local community has the opportunity to air its views on the development of Newton Community Hospital.

The meetings will be held on Tuesday, January 11 at 6.30pm in Earlestown Town Hall and on Wednesday, January 19 at 1.30pm in Newton Methodist Church Hall.

Elizabeth Powell, Director of Clinical Services for St Helens Primary Care Trust, said: "It is important to us that the local community comments on these proposals as we are anxious to hear their views so we might incorporate them into the development plans for the Newton Hospital site.

"This is a real opportunity to contribute to the proposals to improve health services in Newton-le-Willows and we sincerely hope people will make their opinions known and add their own thoughts or views to our plans".

The Newton consultation was officially launched in December 10 and copies of the consultation document have been widely distributed.

However if you haven't yet seen a copy you can contact Elizabeth Powell at St Helens PCT on 01744 457366, e-mail newton.consult@sthkhealth.nhs.uk or write to: Elizabeth Powell, Director of Clinical Services, St Helens Primary Care Trust, Cowley Hill Lane, St Helens, Merseyside, WA10 2AP.