CAMPAIGNERS have welcomed the announcement that controversial plans to rename the Selby War Memorial Hospital could be overturned by a public vote.

Bosses at NHS North Yorkshire and York and York Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust were so overwhelmed by public opposition to renaming the hospital, they have organised a “mini referendum” on the name for the new hospital.

Interested parties have until April 14 to vote online or by freepost for either the Selby Community Hospital or The New Selby War Memorial Hospital.

Janet Probert, managing director of community and mental health services in North Yorkshire and York, said: "We have been moved by the depth of feeling in Selby for the name of the old hospital so we are now seeking to engage with the public on what to call the hospital once it opens in June.

"We are very much aware of the importance of the war memorial legacy in the hospital's history, and we plan to recognise this in a number of ways. In the meantime I would appeal to anyone who has a preference on what to call the new hospital to let us know."

Peter Palmer, a member of the Fraternitie of Olde Selebians, said: “I think the proposal is to their credit, that the NHS is willing to consider the feelings and emotion of the people in Selby who have fought against the new name.

“However, whilst we welcome the shift in thinking, the manner in which they propose the vote is going to be taken precludes a lot of the concerned residents of Selby who do not have access to the internet.

“The way this situation has been handled so far doesn’t lead to a high degree of trust in the NHS, and we would want to know by whom and how any result would be audited.”

A spokesman for NHS North Yorkshire and York said the referendum was open to all interested parties, not just Selby residents, and would be audited internally.

Nigel Adams, MP for Selby and Ainsty, said he would be voting to keep the War Memorial name: “I’m very pleased the Trust has listened to the strength of opinion, not just from politicians, but from ordinary Selby folk who are angry at the change of name.

“I’m urging residents to take part in the referendum, and let’s ensure we get a good turn out of voting so we can keep the name.”

Council Leader Mark Crane said: “I think it shows they have listened to public opinion in Selby, and I urge everyone to go online or write in and cast their vote. I shall certainly be voting to keep the War Memorial Hospital name.”

Readers can register their preference before April 14 in the following ways:

On the PCT's website at www.northyorkshireandyork.nhs.uk

By email to: communications@nyypct.nhs.uk

By post; stating name, address and preference, to: Selby Hospital Name Referendum FREEPOST RSHB-UTRR-LZUA NHS North Yorkshire and York The Hamlet, Hornbeam Park Harrogate, HG2 8RE NHS

North Yorkshire and York can only accept one vote per person. Additional votes submitted by the same person will be discounted.