A MEETING to break the stalemate between a campaigning MP and health bosses has been called off at the last minute.

David Crausby MP was due to meet with the chairman of Bolton Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) Dr Wirin Bhatiani to discuss his campaign calling for the return of the axed NHS walk-in centre at Lever Chambers.

The MP for Bolton North East has collected almost 1,500 signatures since launching the campaign, and last week called on Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt to support his petition.

The Labour MP had come under fire from political opponents for not seeking a meeting with the CCG — whose decision it was to close the Ashburner Street centre in July 2012 — as he launched his campaign.

Now Mr Crausby has attacked Dr Bhatiani for cancelling the meeting after he was told the GP was too busy.

He said: “It is clear that the walk-in centre was a highly valued service and that many would choose to go there rather than A&E if they couldn’t get an appointment with their doctor.

“Dr Bhatiani thinks he’s too busy to discuss the views of local people but that won’t stop my campaign.

“I hope local residents will keep on adding their names, because he’ll feel the full force of all of those voices when I finally meet with him.”

Mr Crausby started his campaign after a winter which saw an influx of patients being admitted at the A&E at the Royal Bolton.

He said he believes re-opening the walk-in centre would reduce the pressure on the department — but the CCG argued they have not seen an increase in demand on A&E since the centre was closed.

A spokesman for the CCG said it was unfortunate the meeting had been cancelled.

He said: “It is with regret that Dr Bhatiani’s meeting with Mr Crausby, due to be held this week, has been rescheduled due to unforeseen diary commitments.

“The earliest available date for both parties is in mid-March, due to Dr Bhatiani’s work as a Bolton GP and Mr Crausby’s parliamentary commitments.

“NHS Bolton Clinical Commissioning Group is committed to ensuring that health services meet the needs of our local population.

“The CCG takes its statutory duty to engage with residents very seriously and all commissioning decisions are informed by feedback from patients and public.”

Mr Crausby’s petition can be signed at davidcrausby.co.uk