A NEW service has been launched to allow people to get information about health services at Blackburn town hall.

Phone lines have been installed in the town hall which visitors can use to get information about services including dentists, doctors, community nurses and therapists.

From the end of March four staff from Blackburn with Darwen Teaching Primary Care Trust will also be based in the town hall to answer queries about health care services and address residents' health concerns.

Simple queries, such as where to find your nearest GP, will be dealt with over the counter. For more complex inquiries visitors will be able to use free phones to speak to advisors.

Judith Holbrey, chief executive of Blackburn with Darwen PCT said: "It's important that the council and the NHS work closely together and this is a great example of us moving forward to provide better services for the people of our area."

Coun Colin Rigby, leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council, added: "More than 17,000 people visit Blackburn town hall every month seeking information from the council or to pay bills.

"This new partnership makes it easier for them to get any health care information they need in an easy and convenient way."