MEMBERS of the public are being invited to two meetings to debate the future of Deane-based Hulton Hospital.

Bolton Hospitals NHS Trust, Bolton Primary Care Trust and Bolton Council are in talks about the building, which cares for long-stay elderly patients.

People are allowed their say in ward one of the hospital on Wednesday February 26, from noon until 2.30pm.

A second meeting takes place at Friends Meeting House, on Silverwell Street, Bolton town centre, on Thursday February 27, from 7.30pm until 9.30pm.

The problem at Hulton Hospital stems from many of its 16 buildings, some dating back to 1908, needing major repair or demolition.

Bolton Community Health Council watchdogs asked in December for the hospital site to be cleared and rebuilt, saying that the wards are out of date.

Options under consideration include developing and retaining the current services at the Hulton site or finding alternative ways of meeting the needs of patients in the community.