PM to be quizzed on walk-in centre closure plans

1.51.46pm GMT Wed 9th Dec 2009

Efforts to secure the long term future of Burnage Walk-in Centre will receive a boost this week when the closure plans for the centre are raised with the prime minister by local MP, John Leech.

More than 500 local residents have signed up to a petition calling on health bosses to scrap plans to close the centre. The closure had been planned for the end of November but was postponed to allow for a consultation with Mr Leech and local councillors, who are strongly opposed to the closure.

Mr Leech will now raise the issue directly with the prime minister at Wednesday's Prime Minister's Questions.

John Leech, who will also present the petition to the House of Commons said:

"These closure plans are starkly at odds with the government's professed commitment to not cutting frontline services. They represent nothing more than a cost-cutting exercise that doesn't take account of the impact on local residents."

John Cameron, Lib Dem councillor for Burnage, added:

"The lack of prior consultation on this decision has been unacceptable. I trust that government ministers and NHS Manchester will now reconsider the plans and act in the best interests of the many patients who rely on the centre."

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Notes to editors

1. John Leech will raise the closure plans at Prime Minister's Questions on Wednesday, 9th December 2009 (question 6)