ALMOST 2,000 people have signed a petition to save Slaidburn Health Centre from closure.

Ribble Valley MP Nigel Evans is set to visit the centre on Friday, August 23 and pick up the petition.

The small medical practice faces being shut down within two years after the NHS published new plans which would wipe out much of its budget.

If the Townend surgery is to close, more than 1,000 patients would face journeys of eight miles or more to see a doctor in Clitheroe.

Dorothy Pearson, chairman of the Friends of Slaidburn Country Practice, said: “The campaign is going very well and everybody is hoping that it continues.

“It’s great that so many people have expressed their support and I think that the number will continue to grow.

“We are grateful of the help that Mr Evans is giving us and we are looking forward to meeting him on August 23.”