Hospital project on hold as firm hit

The Lambert Hospital, in Thirsk, has been closed for the work, which started on November 8 and was planned to take around two months.

In-patients at the hospital had also been moved to the Friarage Hospital in Northallerton while the work took place.

Following the sudden announcement yesterday, North Yorkshire and York Primary Care Trust (PCT) says it is "pulling out all the stops" to find a new contractor, and said it is planned for the patients who have been moved to Northallerton to remain until the work is complete.

North Yorkshire County Councillor for Thirsk, Gareth Dadd, said: "It is not just disappointing news but devastating for the whole community.

"I would urge the PCT to do whatever it can within its power to bring in a new contractor fast.

"The more we hear about contractors going bust and refurbishments not going to plan, the more the long-term future of the Lambert Hospital will be further feared for."

The contract was awarded to Irwins Limited of Horsforth, Leeds in October 2010.

The managing director of North Yorkshire and York Community and Mental Health Services, Janet Probert, said "We were advised yesterday that the main contractor carrying out the refurbishment of the Lambert Hospital in Thirsk is in administration.

"Irwins is a well established company with a good reputation and this is very disappointing news.

"We are now seeking legal advice on how to proceed and what options are available for completing the work and the timescales involved.

"We can assure local people that we are pulling out all the stops to find an alternative contractor to carry out the work within the original timeframe if at all possible."