BURY health watchdogs are demanding a better service for local people with mental health problems.

Following consultation meetings with group representing the service users and their carers, the Bury Community Health Council found three main priority areas.

It believes a crisis house would provide a focal point for emergency care when mentally ill patients cannot receive other sources of care.

The council is also calling free prescriptions for mentally ill patients and is supporting a bid to finance family support workers.

Mr Paul Reynolds, CHC chairman, said: "The next step is to talk with the various groups concerned to ensure that these needs are met."

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