Following the decision to retain consultant-led maternity services at West Cumberland Hospital, Allerdale Borough Council leader Marion Fitzgerald has released this statement.

Cllr Fitzgerald said: "I am really delighted that the independent report has recommended that a consultant led-maternity should remain at WCH.

"To have decided otherwise would unquestionably have placed lives at risk.  So much has been achieved by employees and communities working together to build an excellent service. 

"This has been rightly acknowledged by the CCG and I congratulate all concerned."