PATIENT watchdogs in Burnley have appealed directly to Minister for Health Alan Milburn to save a centre giving help to victims of the lethal motor neurone disease.

The George Barton Trust Care Facility at Preston is set to close on June 30 following the withdrawal of grant aid by the Department of Health, says Burnley Community Health Council chairman Frank Clifford.

Now the watchdog group is appealing directly to the minister to grant a reprieve for the Royal Preston Hospital-based centre.

The move follows concern expressed by local people cared for at the centre, which helps patients from Lancashire and Cumbria. The letter to Mr Milburn states: "These are people who have been diagnosed with the distressing and ultimately fatal illness and the specialist support given by staff at Preston is invaluable to them."

It goes on: "In view of the concern the Department of Health's decision is giving to patients and staff, I should be grateful if you could review the matter.

"I would emphasise that patients have been told that the centre will close on June 30, therefore I would ask you to give this issue your urgent consideration."

Mr Clifford said his council had expressed deep concern over the issue.

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