HEALTH chiefs are urging people to have their say on the location of a new mental health super hospital.

Starting this month, a series of public meetings will be held to gauge which of the six East Lancashire sites will be the base for the new hospital. It will be part of a £150m revamp of mental health services in the county, which bosses admit are "not up to scratch".

The shortlist for the hospital, which contains sites in Burnley, Colne, Padiham and Fence, is not final and more spots will be considered if they become available.

The shortlist so far is: Burnley General Hospital.

Former Empire Mill, Burnley.

Adamson Farm, Reedley Hallow, Fence.

Former Lucas Playing Fields, Burnley.

RB Business Park, Colne.

Barnfield site, Padiham.

Each would have about 200 staff based onsite, and Lancashire Care NHS Trust chief executive Finlay Robertson said the hospital would be a boost for the economy, of whichever site is chosen.

A 10-year masterplan will see the 15 existing mental health facilities - which have been branded not fit for purpose - replaced by four super hospitals in Central and East Lancashire, Fylde Coast and Lancaster and Morecambe.

Mr Robertson said he was not sure yet how the funding for the project would be secured, with a joint venture with the private sector among the options being considered.

Department of Heath chiefs will meet next month to run the rule over the trust's business case.

Mr Robertson said improvements were badly needed to the county's mental health facilities.

"We want to make mental health care in Lancashire the best."

The public meetings will allow people to vote using electronic keypads on the suitability of each site.

The East Lancashire site will be debated on Monday, October 29, at the Globe Centre, St James Square, Accrington. There will be two sessions, from 3pm-5pm and 5.30pm-7.30. To attend call 01829 752751 or email lianne@nhspr.co.uk.