HEALTH officials have today assured residents in Clayton-le-Moors that a long-established health centre will not close.

But a spokesperson for CommuniCare NHS Trust has admitted that Clayton Clinic could be relocated.

The Trust is said to be in the early stages of discussing plans to improve the health service in the Hyndburn town.

The spokesperson said residents would be consulted about the plans before any action was taken.

And she quashed fears that the clinic would be moved out of town.

The Church Street centre currently provides a baby clinic and chiropody service for local residents. It is also used as a base for district nurses and health visitors.

The spokesperson said: "All that's happened is that there has been a conversation between a couple of Trust managers thinking about the possibility of improving the service in Clayton-le-Moors. "The Trust is a very forward-looking organisation and always considering ways to improve.

"If enhancing the service means moving Clayton Clinic to a better location then that will be done.

"But, even if this happens, there's no way it will go out of town and before anything went ahead there would be public consultation.

"This is just a tiny idea and we are not trying to hide anything.

"There is nothing firm, nothing concrete. It really is in the embryonic stages."

Clayton-le-Moors councillor Cath Thom said: "To my knowledge the clinic has been there since just after the war and still seems in good condition to me.

"I understand it has been very well used by people in Clayton-le-Moors."

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