A MAJOR conference centre made redundant in the face of the coronavirus is being considered as one of the new temporary Nightingale hospitals in the fight against the disease.

Harrogate MP Andrew Jones said the town's conference centre is under consideration to become a North Yorkshire coronavirus centre. He said: "The fight against the coronavirus outbreak is a national endeavour and I am proud that Harrogate is playing its full part in that fight. The convention centre provides versatile space in a well-connected location that has proved itself many times over decades.

NHS England said they could not confirm that the centre in Harrogate would be used as a field hospital but a spokeswoman said: "NHS England is actively preparing for a number of scenarios as the Covid-19 outbreak unfolds and is working with clinicians and teams of military planners to support the local health service around the country."