Longridge Hospital Ward Closure Sparks Protest

Community members in Longridge are actively protesting the temporary closure of their community hospital's inpatient recovery ward. The ward was shut down last year, with authorities citing fire safety issues as the reason. This closure has led to the relocation of inpatient services to Chorley and South Ribble Hospital, approximately 15 miles away. This move has raised concerns among residents about accessibility, especially for those dependent on public transportation, as the journey involves multiple buses and considerable travel time.