A RECENTLY-opened health centre in Westhoughton has been praised by residents.

The Winifred Kettle Centre was opened in November, taking the place of the former Westhoughton Clinic.

And despite the complaints that surfaced after the closure of the old clinic was announced, residents have now applauded the new facility.

During the Westhoughton and Chew Moor Area Forum, chairman Cllr Anna Marie-Watters said Bolton Council had received positive feedback and that the centre was well used.

The Westhoughton South representative said: “We are on a journey and I think we can clearly see the fantastic work that’s going on there.”

One resident, who visits the Winifred Kettle Centre, said: “When they said they were closing the clinic there was a lot of adverse publicity.

“But I had to go as a patient to Westhoughton Clinic

“I said to my wife that I would not like to think my daughter was working there.

“The security of the building was absolutely rubbish. I’m going to Winifred Kettle and it’s far superior to every clinic I have been to.

“It’s much better and it’s a credit to the people who have done it.”

The old clinic building was recently sold by Bolton Council along with the former solicitor’s office next door for £285,000.

The Winifred Kettle Centre’s services include midwives, health visitors and district nurses.