PATIENTS groups have welcomed the news that Clitheroe's new multi-million pound health centre could be open by spring 2006.

Three health centres -- two in Accrington and one in Clitheroe -- are planned under the Local Improvement Finance Trust (LIFT).

A total of £65million is being spent on health centres across East Lancashire, with work on the first three -- in Nelson, Bacup, and Darwen -- already under way.

Earlier this summer, Hyndburn and Ribble Valley Primary Care Trust revealed that work would start on Accrington's first centre next January. Now health bosses have said Clitheroe's centre could be on site by spring 2006.

The PCT has now identified land adjacent to Clitheroe's Community Hospital, in Chatburn Road, as the preferred site for the development, and moved to allay fears that moving the main health centre out of the town centre would affect services.

Ribble Valley councillor Chris Holtom, also a director of the PCT, described the new centre as 'one of the most important developments in Clitheroe for a decade'.

He added: "This new centre would provide state-of-the-art accommodation for GPs, a minor injuries unit, and would house clinics, health visitors and school visitors.

"The existing Clitheroe Health Centre, opposite the train station, is a quart in a pint pot at the moment -- two practices and other facilities are crammed in.

"The hospital site, which is already owned by Hyndburn and Ribble Valley PCT, also saves the scheme money because we would not have to pay for land. This saving could then be passed on to the patients."

David Foster, of Hyndburn and Ribble Valley Patients Forum, welcomed the scheme.

He said: "This exciting project will work with the proviso that accessibility and transport issues are addressed.

"In terms of the benefits, if it remains on time and on target, then it will meet everyone's expectations."

It is hoped that Accrington's first centre, for the east of the town and based in the town centre, will be open by next spring.

The town's second centre will be built off Blackburn Road and will serve West Accrington. It will be built in 2007.