The health of the people of Colne is improving, but not as quickly as in other parts of the country. I am delighted therefore that our local NHS Primary Care Trust is planning to replace the existing Health Centre on Market Street with a 21st century, £10 million, facility, providing a wide range of health services. But, as I write this, progress is proving disappointingly slow.

Here, death rates from heart disease and stroke are much higher than the regional and national average at 112 per 100,000 compared to a national average of 90.  In 2003, average life expectancy in Waterside was 73yrs compared with 84 in Blacko and Higherford.  Infant mortality, suicide rates and teenage pregnancy rates are also high.  These serious health and social problems require urgent attention and the new Colne Health Centre, financed by the Government, will be a major step forward.

When people were asked earlier this year, they told the NHS they wanted a town centre site. New services will include MRI scanning and other diagnostic facilities normally found in hospitals. The Government’s extended opening hours initiative will ensure that the new services are available when you need them.

Unfortunately, things are being held back because of the difficulty in identifying a suitable site.  We don’t want to be left behind when other areas of East Lancashire are pressing ahead with their health service investments.

I am in regular contact with the local NHS which needs planning approval from the local authority for the development and I hope Pendle Council will not drag its feet, so that building can start as soon as possible. I will be following this up and will contact you again when things start moving.