A FLEETWOOD councillor says a new £1m health centre for the town which is expected to open next year has been needed for years.
Rossall ward representative Councillor Teddy Taylor said he had made enquiries about improved health services in Fleetwood more than two years ago.
He was speaking after it was exclusively revealed in the Weekly News that the North Lancashire Teachi
ng Primary Care Trust is investing in the health centre and hopes to open it in 2009.
Coun Taylor said: "It is not acceptable that if someone in Fleetwood needs treatment for a minor injury they have to travel all the way to Blackpool Victoria Hospital and wait for four hours to get treatment.
"The new centre is wonderful news for Fleetwood.
The new facility will include a walk-in "urgent care" clinic for minor injuries and a completely new GPs practice and a new NHS dental practice.
With a string of other health services available under one roof, the centre will also offer extended opening hours from 8am to 8pm - seven days a week.
The PCT plans to site the facility in Fleetwood town centre and will either build a new purpose-built premises, or convert an existing building.
Various options are currently being looked at.
Tenders will eventually go out to health care providers and it is expected that all the various contracts can be completed by December this year, ready for work to begin in 2009.
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