Lib Dems push for ministerial support for new Saddleworth Health Centre

Saddleworth’s Lib Dem team have pushed for the Minister for Care, Stephen Kinnock, to back the building of a new health centre in Saddleworth. 

A business case for the centre has been funded and work is due to start on it imminently. Following a meeting with senior officers at the Council, the group wrote to the Minister to lay the groundwork for the next steps.

Saddleworth North councillor Garth Harkness said: “We know that this is a long-term project, and we’re making sure that there are no unexpected hurdles placed in our way.

“We’ve worked constructively with the local healthcare team, and we’re delighted that funding has been secured to get the business case delivered, and that work on that is due to start shortly. The Government says that it wants to see health services being delivered locally, and we’re confident that the Minister will back our case.”

It is hoped that the business case will be developed by the end of the year, giving clear recommendations on the most cost effective site for a new centre. 

Saddleworth West and Lees councillor Al-Hamdani added: “We’ve always been clear, our community wants to see a new health centre built on the former Saddleworth School site, the most important thing is to get more accessible health services for people in Saddleworth, and this business case should give us the answers as to what is realistic.

“We’re committed to getting the services people need, where they need them. I hope that the Government is prepared to back us.”