THE spokesman for a patient group set up in support of a community doctor has welcomed councillors' decision to step in.

Councillors asked that the CCG work towards reinstating Dr Anant Prasad, who is no longer working at the medical centre he owns.

Many comments and questions by councillors at the meeting on Tuesday evening drew applause and cheers from members of the Save Shanti Medical Centre group, who were in the public gallery above the council chamber.

Mukesh Singadia, a patient of Dr Prasad for more than 20 years, who is part of the Save Shanti Medical Centre group welcomed the decision by councillors.

Mr Singadia said: "We are quite happy with that [motion]. I think for the first time we felt happy somebody has listened to us and taken it on a formal level.

"We are delighted they summoned the CCG, we're quite happy with that motion."

He added: "Who is this for? It's for the patients of Bolton who have a choice under the NHS Patient Charter and the vast majority chooses to continue to go to Shanti and to be seen by Dr Prasad."

Councillors agreed unanimously "That this scrutiny committee asked the CCG to work to facilitate the return of Dr Prasad to Shanti Medical Centre and keeps this committee updated."