HEALTH chiefs in Bolton were celebrating this week after plans to abolish local health watchdogs were scrapped.

The House of Lords rejected a Government bid to close 204 Community Health Councils across England and Wales.

Plans to scrap the CHCs -- patient watchdogs for the last 26 years -- had sparked fury.

Staff from Bolton's office travelled to London last month to join hundreds of supporters on the streets outside Westminster to lobby the Government.

Under proposals, the CHCs would have been split up into a series of bodies -- the Patient Advocacy and Liaison Service (PALS), patients' forums, advisory citizens' panels, local scrutiny committees and the Commission for Health Improvement (COI).

Health chiefs feared the abolition of the organisation would have an adverse effect on patients.

Bolton CHC's chief officer Jenny Crabb said the planned changes would also spell confusion for patients.

"The members are angry and we are concerned about what will replace us. The Government has not thought out details at all," she said.

And James Stevens, Conservative Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Bolton West said today: "I am delighted that the House of Lords has seen fit to throw out Government plans to abolish Bolton's Community Health Council. Bolton CHC plays an important role in protecting the health interests of local people and it should not be demolished.

"Anyone who really cares about the health of Bolton residents would surely want our town to retain a true independent voice for patients in the form of Bolton Community Health Council."

The plans also brought job fears for around 700 staff and more than 5,000 volunteers across England and Wales.

But the motion was defeated -- to the delight of Bolton's campaigners.

They have played a key role in supporting victims of GP Harold Shipman and bringing to light events at Alder Hey Children's Hospital.