THE process to close down a popular but under-used maternity unit is launched this week.

In the year to June 30 this year, 125 babies were delivered at Guisborough Maternity Unit, in east Cleveland, while 890 women from the Langbaurgh area gave birth at The James Cook University Hospital, in Middlesbrough.

Although it is much loved by local people, Langbaurgh's Primary Care Trust (PCT) says the unit is sometimes left standing empty - the reason the decision was taken in September to close it.

Jon Chadwick, the trust's chief executive, said: "We are very sad that we are contemplating closure, but we have a duty to secure value for money for local people.

"We have looked at lots of ideas to increase usage, but we really need to see a very substantial increase in the number of births here every year, and personally, I can see no prospect of this happening. The consultation period gives everyone a chance to suggest feasible options as to how the unit could survive."

During the next three months all interested parties will have the chance to express their opinions and all comments will be formally acknowledged and considered before a final decision is taken by Langbaurgh PCT's board next March.

Between now and the end of February, the trust will hold a series of meetings with community groups, health professionals and the general public.

The formal consultation over the proposed closure of the unit begins on Thursday.

Three public meetings are planned at the Parish Hall, Bow Street, Guisborough, on December 15, between 6.30pm and 8pm; and the same venue on February 22, between 2pm and 3.30pm; and the Hollybush Activity Centre, Station Lane, Skelton on January 19, between 6.30pm and 8pm.

The trust stresses its decision next March will not affect any of the other services.