James Paget Hospital petition calls for building work pledge

The rebuild of the Gorleston hospital was on track to be completed in 2030.

However, plans were put on hold after chancellor Rachel Reeves announced the Labour government would be reviewing the new hospitals programme, which included the James Paget and the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in King's Lynn.

The review is part of a £22bn financial gap she said was part of Labour's inheritance from the former Conservative government.

Although Labour said it would commit to rebuilding Gorleston's hospital if elected, the chancellor announced the programme for the crumbling hospitals was being put under immediate review.

It has led to the Conservatives in Great Yarmouth setting up a petition demanding the James Paget rebuild is put firmly back on the agenda.

Carl Smith said the James Paget rebuilding was the cornerstone of the Conservative's support plan for Norfolk and Suffolk. (Image: Sonya Duncan)
Carl Smith, leader of Great Yarmouth Borough Council and the Conservative group, said: "The rebuilding of the James Paget was a key cornerstone of the Conservatives’ plan to support not just Great Yarmouth, but swathes of Norfolk and Suffolk as well.

"We as a community need to come together and make it clear that we are united in our calls for the new hospital to be delivered.”

Emma Flaxman-Taylor, cabinet member for housing, health and communities at the borough council, said: “During the election the Labour candidate explicitly pledged that the James Paget would be rebuilt after Conservatives raised legitimate concerns based on their manifesto.

"They should honour their word. We will continue to work to ensure that we get the new facility we deserve.”

Trevor Wainwright, leader of the Labour group at the council, said the petition is "a bit rich coming from the Conservatives".

Trevor Wainwright has said the Conservative's petition is premature. (Image: Archant)
He said: "They've had how many years to move this along? And now they've started a petition against a government that has only been in power for six weeks. 

"We all want to see the hospital rebuilt and to see it progressing but no decision has been made so starting a petition seems a bit premature."

Sign the petition at www.greatyarmouthconservatives.org.uk/campaigns/campaign-rebuild-james-paget-hospital