BY CIARAN WOODS

A DELEGATION from Strabane Council could soon be making its way to Stormont in a bid to preserve vital cancer services at Altnagelvin, if an application proves successful.

Following a presentation from Dr Dermot Hughes, lead clinician of cancer services at Altnagelvin, a motion was proposed and unanimously passed to write to the health committee of the new Assembly requesting a meeting with councillors to discuss the matter.

The motion was proposed by Sinn Fein's Jarlath McNulty, but there was cross party concern at and opposition to the proposed stripping away of pathology services from Altnagelvin.

Speaking this week, Cllr McNulty said, "What struck me was that there are so many individuals and groups opposed to this action, yet there has been a lack of consultation and their views have not been listened to nor considered.

"We're hoping that because the health committee at Stormont is a new administration, made up of local people, then they will be more open to listening to the views of the public and the people here who are so deeply opposed to this.

"The monopoly of services in Belfast is not good for anyone outside of Belfast.

"That's why we must do all we can to ensure that the needs of the people of Strabane and the North-West are looked after," added Councillor McNulty.