A MULTI-MILLION pound health centre in one of Bolton's most deprived communities opens its doors today.

Work has been completed on the £9 million Crompton Health Centre in Crompton Way, Hall i'th' Wood, which will provide a home to two GPs surgeries that will be opening their doors to 12,000 patients.

The new centre has been built on land formerly occupied by St Aiden's playgroup.

Hall i'th' Wood has been identified as one of the unhealthiest parts of the country, with around 65 per cent of people smoking and less than a quarter of local residents taking part in some sort of exercise.

As well as family doctors and a minor surgery facility, the centre will house district nurses, health visitors and stop-smoking services. The building also has space to incorporate further services in the future.

The huge surgery is home to two local GP practices, Dr Bunn and Partners and Drs Kirby, Page and McMillen.

Dr Julian Page, a partner at Kirby, Page and McMillen, said: "We're moving from outdated surgeries with small, cramped conditions to a beautiful modern building with easy access and plenty of parking. I'm confident patients will appreciate the new surroundings, which will complement the service we're able to provide."

The new health centre has been funded by a private investment under a Government scheme and is now being leased back to the Primary Care Trust.

Developers Assura Property and LSP Developments bought the land on which the health centre has been built and extra space is being made available to provide car parking, a park-and-ride interchange into Bolton and a community centre, which will accommodate a children's creche and other community groups.