I WISH to commend David Crausby MP for his campaign and petition to bring back a Walk In Centre to Lever Chambers after the unforgivable decision by Bolton CCG to remove this town centre facility.

At the time in 2012, during a debate on Health Services in Bolton, I informed a meeting of the Two Towns Area Forum held on July 12 that year, that I was not consulted as an elected representative and member of Bolton Council with regards to the proposal and ultimate decision. This can be seen in the minutes of that meeting.

The CCG chose not to consult with ward councillors around the borough because they were simply not required to and conveniently did not do, in order to get the result which they wanted.

I believe that their decision has been an absolute disaster for residents of the borough as the former Walk In Centre was in the most convenient and accessible place being in the town centre and was well used.

I was against the closure and I have signed David Crausby’s petition in order to try and get it back. I would encourage all to sign David’s petition and in the process, let Bolton CCG know that they made a blundering and inept decision which was completely wrong.

Cllr. Richard Silvester,

Labour Co-operative, Horwich North East Ward

Bolton Council.