A LOCAL MP has called for the closure of a private hospital where staff were filmed physically and mentally abusing patients.

Jack Lopresti, who represents the Filton and Bradley Stoke constituency which includes Hambrook, said he believed Winterbourne View hospital on Vantage Park was now ‘untenable’.

Said Mr Lopresti: "I believe the right course of action is for the permanent closure of Winterbourne View Hospital."

He is due to meet with hospital owners Castlebeck when he will suggest the permanent closure of the 28-bed facility. He added: "I am also calling for an independent inquiry into why such serious failures occurred and what lessons can be learnt to ensure the abuse at Winterbourne View hospital never happens again."

The Conservative MP’s comments follow a BBC Panorama programme which revealed a system of abuse of vulnerable adults with severe learning difficulties. Undercover footage showed patients being punished for misbehaviour by staff who doused them with water, pinned them down with chairs and left one woman outside lying on a pavement.

A serious case review by South Gloucestershire Council will begin in July and Margaret Flynn, joint editor of the Journal of Adult Protection, has been appointed to chair the board. A report on the findings will be made publicly available.

Last week police arrested a further two men, aged 26 and 35, on suspicion of abuse and mistreatment of patients.

Nine other people – six men and three women – have already been arrested and remain on police bail, pending further inquiries.