Philip Dunne comments on news that Shropshire PCT has just decided to approve the recommendation to close the Whitcliffe Ward at Ludlow."I am very disappointed indeed that Shropshire PCT has decided to close the Whitcliffe Ward in Ludlow.

Despite overwhelming opposition to closure from the public consultation, mental health patients and their carers are once again bearing the brunt of cost cutting in the county.

I shall work with the PCT and local community groups to work up a viable alternative future for Ludlow hospital.

I hope this will include restoring capacity for handling mental health patients. I am meeting the Chief Executive of Staffordshire Mental Health Trust in the next few weeks to persuade him to consider commissioning beds in a rejuvenated community hospital."