COUNCILLORS in Pendle have called for a high-level debate on the future of Colne's proposed new £12million all-purpose health centre.

Blueprints have been drawn up for a major new facility, to replace the existing Colne Health Centre in Market Street, which would offer an urgent care centre, to treat minor injuries, as well as housing the four GP practices currently located at the Market Street site.

Rehabilitation work, led by nurses, services for people with long-term conditions, a pharmacy, outpatient help and diagnostics work could also feature in the new venture.

The preferred site for the development for months is believed to have been the former Kwik Save supermarket in Craddock Road, which is currently up for sale.

But it has emerged that the land has been deemed unsuitable for mobile health units and PCT bosses have now had to go back to the drawing board.

An update on the future direction of the health centre plans is now expected to be given at a meeting of Pendle council's executive at Nelson Town Hall on Wednesday.

A Pendle council spokesman said: "Members have asked that the proposed Colne community health facility be considered by the executive.

"The East Lancashire Primary Care Trust (PCT) is considering the feasibility of developing a new community health facility in Colne that would provide a range of primary and secondary health care services.

"The PCT has considered a number of sites including the former Kwik Save supermarket site. However, this site has now been excluded because its size would preclude access by mobile units."

It was also hoped that the new medical HQ would house Lancashire County Council social services staff, allowing closer links to be developed between the authority and health staff, similar to those enjoyed at the recently-opened St Peter's Health Centre in Burnley.

Doctors based within the existing health centre have no room to expand at present. Health chiefs hope a new facility will cause extra GPs to be recruited, as the size of Colne's patient lists are higher than the national average.

Funding for a new Colne health centre would come from the regional health authority - the PCT has a choice on how it will pay for it to be run.

Other PCT developments have been the subject of LIFTs (Local Improvement Finance Trusts), such as the St Peter's scheme and health centres at Briercliffe, Bacup and Nelson, in partnership with civil engineers Eric Wright Group. But the PCT could choose another option, requiring another form of capital investment.