A MULTI-MILLION pound plan to tackle health problems in one of one of Bolton's most deprived communities is underway.

Work has begun on clearing a site for the new £9 million Crompton Way Health Centre in Hall i'th' Wood on land formerly occupied by St Aiden's playgroup.

Hall i'th' Wood is classed as one of the unhealthiest 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.

Experts hope the new health centre will help tackle some of the worst health problems in the area.

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

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

Dr Kevin Snee, chief executive of the Bolton Primary Care Trust, said: "We are stuck for space in Bolton and some of the current services we have are outdated. This will undoubtedly improve the health of the local population with better services and better facilities."

Rita Lilley, former chairman of the Hall i'th' Wood Residents Association, which has now disbanded, said: "It's a really good thing, but it should have been done years ago. It has been discussed for at least the last eight years.

"Hall i'th' Wood has always been neglected."

And Joyce Kimberley, chairman of the Hall i'th' Wood community action group, added: "It's been a long time in the coming but it's being built now so hopefully it won't take too long."

The new health centre will be funded by private investment under a Government scheme and, when built, the centre will be leased back to the Primary Care Trust.

Developers, Medical Property Fund and LSP Developments, bought the land on which the health centre is being built and extra space to provide car parking, a Park and Ride into Bolton and space for a community centre.

Andrew Darke, regional director for Medical Property Fund, said: "We're delighted to see the start of work on this ambitious project which will help transform primary care services for patients in this area.

"It will provide much needed purpose-built facilities in a comfortable and efficient environment which will enable the doctors and healthcare staff to deliver the high standards of service they want for a 21st century NHS."

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

According to the research carried out by American firm Caci, people in the area spend, on average, £395 per person on tobacco each year and a further £186 on alcohol bought from shops. Only 23 per cent take part in sport and 30 per cent class themselves as overweight.

Work has already started on a £4.5 million super surgery on Waters Meeting Road, Astley Bridge and Bolton's health bosses hope both facilities will be open by late next year.

They are being built in addition to seven new super-centres in Bolton, which are due for completion in 2013.

Costing £64 million, they will replace decaying doctors' surgeries and offer services normally only available at hospitals.