THE closure of Hulton Hospital has been approved -- and it will be shut to patients by the end of next month.

Results of an eight-week consultation and two public meetings revealed no objections to shutting the Deane hospital, and members of the NHS Trust board have approved closure.

The plan was proposed because many of the hospital's 16 buildings, some of which date back to 1908, need major repairs.

Some of the buildings, which are used to care for long-stay elderly patients, date back to 1908.

Ann Schenk, director of service development at the Bolton Hospitals NHS Trust said: "We will now start to close Hulton Hospital by reducing the number of admissions and, simultaneously, building up the capacity of the alternative services in intermediate care.

"In this way, the hospital will be closed to patients by the end of April although it will, for the time being, continue to provide a base for staff accommodation, some staff training and the location of a community mental health team."

Written responses were received from 13 organisations and individuals --including Bolton Primary Care Trust, Bolton, Salford and Trafford Mental Health Partnership, Bolton Community Health Council, Bolton Council's health scrutiny committee, Age Concern and members of the public.

Strong feelings were expressed about the site itself being a valuable NHS resource for that area.

The Trust agrees that at least part of the hospital should be retained as a base for future healthcare activities and will make recommendations when it hands over the site to the Primary Care Trust next month.

Decisions over the exact future of the Hulton Lane site are yet to be made.

Mrs Schenk said: "Hulton has had a long and proud history and the Trust is aware of the important part it has played in Bolton's health services over the years. We pay tribute to staff past and present who have served patients so well at Hulton."