A call on the new government and NHS bosses for extra health clinic provision in an East Lancs area has been made by borough councillors.

Women, mothers and babies and people less able to travel need particular consideration, councillors say.

Clinic provision in Barnoldswick has changed over recent years including the closure of the former Butts health centre and opening of a smaller clinic in Newtown.

Some services are held at the Rainhall Centre but others have been relocated to Colne.

Patients from nearby Craven and the Ribble Valley use clinics in Barnoldswick and also at Airedale Hospital.

Now Pendle councillors have repeated calls for more local NHS services and facilities, following the election of the new Labour government and Pendle's new MP, Jonathan Hinder.

A motion on health clinics was put forward at the latest full council meeting by Lib-Dem councillors.

Cllr Dorothy Lord said: “The anti-coagulation clinic is to go from West Craven. That’s very vital. West Craven is told it can only have half a clinic. And it will only be half-full because the function is to be based at Colne.”

Cllr Lord added: “This motion reiterates the need for a decent, modern health centre in the West Craven area, and that this issue is pursued with the health authorities and our new MP, Jonathan Hinder.”

Fellow Lib-Dem Cllr Susan Land (Earby and Coates), said: “Clinics are not just important for health treatment. They also offer connections for local people. Local women could share stories there and help each other.

“I support this call for West Craven but also for other areas too. We need clinics located locally. People cannot afford to travel regularly. Many people need help with transport and travel.”

Conservative opposition group leader Cllr Nadeem Ahmed said: “In parts of Pendle we have modern health centres which have been but over the years. But I think West Craven has missed a modern facility.

“In recent years, we have had meetings about West Craven and it’s important we continue to support a new facility there."

Independent Cllr Asjad Mahmood, Pendle Council’s leader, said: ” I support this motion too. Community hubs have done some amazing projects and it would be good to get something like that in Barnoldswick.”

Councillors from all groups supported the motion.