South Tees Hospitals NHS Trust shut down the ward at Guisborough General Hospital because of a shortage of 14 full-time midwives.

The closure comes despite a 1,600-name protest petition which was handed in to health chiefs.

A select committee set up by Redcar and Cleveland Council is considering the long-term future of maternity facilities at the hospital.

'National shortage'

The trust claims the closure is a temporary measure.

But locals who have signed the petition fear the closure will become permanent.

Consultant obstetrician Stewart Hutchison said: "We're reluctantly taking the decision to close the ward so we can ensure mothers-to-be have a safe, high quality service at the James Cook University Hospital and in the community.

"During the closure period we'll be working hard to recruit midwives though there is a national shortage so the solution is not going to be short term."

Between January 2001 to December 2001, 125 babies were born at the maternity ward at Guisborough General Hospital and 3,320 at The James Cook University Hospital.