NEW Burnley MP Antony Higginbotham has asked the government to look again at the closure of the accident and emergency department at the town's hospital.

The Conservative backbencher is to meet with health minister Edward Argar to discuss NHS provision in the borough after raising the issue at Westminster.

During House of Commons Question Time he told Mr Argar: "You will know that the A and E services at Burnley General Hospital were closed in 2007 by the then Labour administration.

"Given our record investment in the NHS, and the pressures on the A and E, will you agree to meet me to talk through the future of the hospital and the services we can provide locally?"

Mr Argar replied: "The urgent care centre at Burnley General Hospital will continue to play an important role in meeting urgent care needs locally, but you are right to highlight the broader importance of Burnley as part of the health ecosystem in your area.

"I would be delighted to meet you."