MORE than 1,400 people have signed a petition calling for a free shuttle bus between two hospitals to be retained.

The future of the bus, which connects the Friarage Hospital, Northallerton, and the James Cook University Hospital, Middlesbrough, is currently under review.

The petition was presented to Richmond’s Tory MP Rishi Sunak by campaign organiser Marie Davis who said she had been delighted by the response.

The service is funded by the Hambleton, Richmondshire and Whitby Clinical Commissioning Group and was introduced at the time maternity and children’s services at the Friarage were downgraded in 2014.

Mr Sunak has met the CCG’s chief officer Janet Probert and a number of options to keep the bus, which is used by patients, relatives and staff, were discussed.

“Whatever changes to the service might be proposed, it is vital that patients and their families who have been affected by the services being moved to James Cook will have transportation provided as promised,” said Mr Sunak.

“The CCG understands that and has promised further consultation before any changes to the service are proposed.”

Mrs Davis, who lives in Northallerton and works at the James Cook, said: “We started the petition because first and foremost we want to save the service for the benefit of patients. That has always been our main aim.”

The free bus, for use by hospital patients and their families and staff, travels between the hospitals ten times a day, and is available Monday to Friday, except public holidays.