Ilkley’s Coronation Hospital could return to the hands of the hospital trust which suggested its closure almost a decade ago.

Talks are under way between Primary Care Trust (PCT) heads and local service providers about the transfer of community healthcare properties, it has been revealed.

The Ilkley cottage hospital’s former owner, Airedale NHS Foundation Trust, has confirmed it is in discussions about future arrangements for the hospital.

The closure of Coronation Hospital was mooted by Airedale NHS Trust, which also runs Airedale General Hospital at Steeton, amid financial difficulties in May 2002.

The building was taken over by Airedale PCT – later NHS Bradford and Airedale. The PCT has since held two public consultations and recently revealed plans to build a £3.3 million community hospital for Ilkley.

Ilkley health services campaigner, Councillor Mike Gibbons, is now seeking a meeting with the chairman of NHS Airedale, Bradford and Leeds, the newly-organised “cluster” of PCTs.

Read more in the Ilkley Gazette.