WORK has started on a multi-million pound health centre in one of Bolton's most deprived communities.

The first sod has been cut at the £9 million pound Crompton Health Centre, on Crompton Way, Hall i'th' Wood.

Experts hope the new centre being built on land formerly occupied by St Aiden's playgroup will help to turn around the health of people in the area.

Hall i'th' Wood is classed as one of the unhealthiest districts in the country with around 65 per cent of people smoking and less than a quarter of residents taking part in some sort of exercise.

Tim Evans, chief executive of Bolton Primary Care Trust, said: "This centre will be an important component in the PCT's strategy for improving health service accommodation."

As well as family doctors and a pharmacy, the centre will also house district nurses, health visitors, stop smoking services and a minor surgery facility - along with space for further services in the future.

Up to 12,000 patients will be able to access the huge surgery, and two local GP practices - Dr Bunn and Partners and Drs Kirby, Page and McMillen.

The new health centre will be funded by private investment under a Government scheme and, when completed, in around 10 months time, will be leased back to the Primary Care Trust.

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

Andrew Darke, regional director for Assura Property, said: "With our development partners, LSP, we're delighted with the progress on this ambitious project.

"The new facilities will be a significant benefit to the local community and the extra space we have built in will allow for further expansion."

A recent analysis of people's smoking, drinking and exercise habits showed the former Central ward area of Bolton, in which Hall i'th' Wood is situated, has the sixth highest concentration of unhealthy residents in England and Wales.