A group led by The Mayor of Louth, Councillor Trevor Marris and The Louth and Horncastle MP, Sir Peter Tapsell, is looking for reassurances that services will not be moved out of the site.

The move comes amid continuing concern about the hospital's future.

A meeting between four town councillors and the government to discuss the hospital is being sought.

Hard work

Sir Peter is hoping the group of councillors will be able to meet either the Secretary of State for Health or a junior minister.

The group is hoping the government will promise to do all it can to help.

Louth hospital has been hit by a series of difficulties including staff shortages and reportedly low morale.

Councillor Marris said: "We have to go to (the government) and say 'Look, we need to retain these services because Louth is an excellent hospital'.

"Everybody you speak to speaks so highly of the care and attention you get there.

"The nurses and staff work so hard to keep it right and we want to make sure they get the backing they deserve."