A PUBLIC debate is being urged over the future of the soon-to-be former health centre complex in the middle of Colne.

Work is now well advanced on the construction of a new NHS hub on the former Kwik Save site off Craddock Road.

And Colne councillor and Liberal Democrat peer Tony Greaves has sparked calls for a major discussion on what will happen to the existing surgeries site in Market Street.

Located next to the Red Lion pub and opposite Colne Market, the health centre building is in a prominent position in the town’s heart.

Lord Greaves has already raised the issue in the House of Lords with Health Minister Earl Howe, who confirmed that the venue would be declared ‘surplus to requirements’ by local health commissioners.

This would result in the location being advertised on the government’s own property website, and made available to other public sector interested parties, before it was marketed commercially.

Later, Lord Greaves said: “It is vital that this building is not allowed to stand empty for ages, and it’s vital that a really appropriate use for the building – or the site – is found as quickly as possible.

“Colne is doing amazingly well and we don’t want a hole in the middle of the town centre.”

The Waterside councillor has written to the borough council’s chief executive, Stephen Barnes, requesting that the future of the health centre be discussed by an upcoming executive board meeting.

He also wants the issue to be scheduled for consideration by the Colne area committee in December.