WORK will start soon to bring a Ward 2 Accrington Victoria Hospital which was closed in November back into use in the summer.

It was shut after the heating failed and asbestos was found in the basement plant room.

It is expected to re-open in June or July.

East Lancashire Hospitals Trust chief executive Kevin McGee has now told Hyndburn MP Graham Jones that following a full investigation and a tendering process a £300,000 programme of work will commence shortly and is expected to take up to six months.

Mr Jones said: " After the closure of the walk-in centre, it is now more important than ever that the rest of Hyndburn’s healthcare facilities remain open to meet the demands of local people.”

Other services such as the Minor Injury Unit and the GP practice were unaffected by the ward closure.