LEADING politicians in Bolton have demanded extra cash to help a crisis-hit Royal Bolton Hospital.

The NHS Trust running the hospital last week decided to lose 155 jobs and close two wards in a bid to cut its £7.5 million debt.

Bolton Council has expressed concern over continued underfunding and financial problems at the hospital.

Now Conservative councillor for Astley Bridge John Walsh has called for the chairman and board of the Royal Bolton Hospital NHS Trust to attend an informal meeting of the council to explain the situation.

His concern is shared by the Liberal Democrat leader of the council, Cllr Barbara Ronson, and Bolton's three MPs.

Cllr Walsh said: "We feel there are unanswered questions. To take these drastic measures seems to be a ludicrous situation.

"I believe Bolton is underfunded. I believe we have a duty to demand more money rather than take beds out of the Trust."

The trust has also scrapped the building of a proposed multi-storey car park, as well as cutting jobs and closing the two wards.

Mr David Crausby, MP for Bolton North-east, said: "We have effectively campaigned from 1997 on the question of funding. There's been some progress made, but the problem is some parts of the country are much better funded than Bolton.

Ruth Kelly, MP for Bolton West, said: "Over the last few years there has been progress in meeting local health needs and I will be lobbying the Department of Health to ensure that such improvements continue and resources are made available."

Cllr Ronson said: "The council has made it clear it wants more money for the hospital and for services in general."