CHESHIRE MPs have joined forces to persuade Health Secretary Sajid Javid to include Leighton Hospital in a multi-billion-pound building programme.

Crewe and Nantwich MP Kieran Mullan and former area MP Edward Timpson, now representing Eddisbury, along with Congleton MP Fiona Bruce have written a joint letter to the new Secretary of State for Health after last year's announcement by the Prime Minister that the programme to build 40 new hospitals will be extended to include eight additional sites.

The formal process for deciding the eight sites to be chosen has now been launched by the government with hospital trusts invited to apply for the funding, with a final decision due to be made in Spring 2022.

Together the MPs represent Crewe, Nantwich, Sandbach and Winsford, and the surrounding villages that are all served by Leighton.

Writing to the Secretary of State, they have highlighted that in spite of a series of one-off investments like new theatres and A&E upgrades, there are "fundamental capacity challenges" at the Crewe medical complex.

Kieran Mullan launched a petition to build community support for the campaign and that has already been signed by more than 1,000 residents.

He said: "The reality is that adding on blocks and new facilities can only take you so far, and a rebuild is required to safeguard Leighton Hospital for future generations.

"The main buildings are from the 1970s, and we need an overhaul to cope with the significant amount of development happening on the hospital's doorstep.

"I hope that by working with Fiona and Edward we can push the government for Leighton's inclusion in the funding programme. I'd also encourage everyone who hasn't already to sign the petition."

Edward Timpson said: "Leighton Hospital has cared for local residents, including my own family, for generations. It is now our turn to return the favour and campaign for maintenance and rebuild funding from the government."

Fiona Bruce said: "I am very happy to support this campaign. Many constituents use Leighton Hospital and with growing housing developments such need will only increase. It is clear that the current site needs improvement for staff and patients alike."

There will be 40 new hospitals built across the country by 2030 along with the completion of eight existing schemes; 48 projects in all.

Last October the government named 32 hospitals which will form part of the new 40 and is now calling for NHS trusts to submit their expressions of interest to be one of the final eight.

Sajid Javid said: "The selection process for the further eight new schemes is a huge opportunity for more areas to benefit from the biggest hospital building programme in a generation."

Kieran Mullan's petition can be signed online here.