The Liberal Democrats candidate for Harrogate and Knaresborough has handed in a petition calling for urgent repairs to Harrogate District Hospital.

A report this year said a survey of the hospital estate found 2,500 panels made of reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC).

Twelve 12 high-risk panels had been identified and some theatres and corridors had been made safe with props. The report said further propping of panels that were in danger of collapsing might be needed.

The hospital has bid for £20 million funding to undertake repairs and Tom Gordon's petition urges the government to provide this sum.

Mr Gordon, who handed the petition to the Department for Health and Social Care, said it was "particularly alarming is that there is no guarantee that the funding bid will be successful".

He said:

Mr Gordon said his petition had attracted "hundreds" of signatures but did not reveal the precise figure.

Liberal Democrats leader Ed Davey has also spoken out about Harrogate District Hospital's need for repairs during prime minister's questions.

Mr Gordon is aiming to be the first Liberal Democrat MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough since Phil Willis, who served from 1997 to 2010.

Andrew Jones has held the seat for the Conservatives since then.

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