Health sites named

Three possible sites have been earmarked for the new Bingham health centre with work finally set to start next year.

Residents can have their say on which site they think would be best — Warner’s Paddock, land off Mill Hill Road or land east of Tythby Road.

If all goes to plan the centre will be ready by the end of 2010.

The 6.8-acre site off Tythby Road is owned by the Crown Estate, which has outline permission for homes.

A developer owns the site off Mill Hill Road.

Any plans for the centre at Warner’s Paddock, however, look set to be strongly opposed.

Mr Gary Porter, of Woodpecker Close, Bingham, is already leading a campaign to save the paddock.

He said campaigners would be active during the health centre public consultations, and would set up online and written petitions.

Residents would also be leafleting and knocking on doors in a bid to gain support.

“The campaigners are disappointed that despite our extensive lobbying and demonstration of opposition to development of the paddock, it has still been shortlisted,” Mr Porter said.

“Feelings are just as strong as ever. If, through the consultation period, we can demonstrate there is overwhelming opposition, I would hope the health authority would respect that and not pursue it.”

The Mayor of Bingham, Mr George Davidson, a town and borough councillor, was pleased to see progress being made and said it was important for residents to have their say.

“We do need a health centre for the town,” he said.

“When the public is consulted I hope a large number of people respond. It is important that everyone knows where the public support is and isn’t.”

Mr Davidson said he would prefer the centre not to be on Warner’s Paddock and would like this site to be considered only as a last resort.

The Bingham campaign group Community Concern also welcomed the health centre progress.

A spokesman for the group, Mr Dennis Briggs, said: “We are hoping that a sensible decision will be made soon and things can get under way.

“The essential bit is we have to look after the health of the community and a new health centre is absolutely essential.”

The Advertiser revealed in May how a new Bingham centre was among the four top priorities for Nottinghamshire County Primary Care Trust.

The centre would be built by the public-private partnership Greater Nottingham Lift (Local Improvement Finance Trust) and leased to the PCT.

Greater Nottingham Lift chose the three possible sites.

A spokesman for the PCT said: “These three options will have to be carefully considered against a number of criteria, including access, transport links, the services being provided and other issues relating to the proposed centre.

“We are finalising plans to consult the public and are already liaising with Bingham Town Council.

“All responses will be taken into consideration before a final decision is made.”

Anyone wanting to oppose plans for Warner’s Paddock can contact Mr Porter by emailing savewarnerspaddock@hotmail. co.uk or by calling 07962 407365.