HEALTH bosses are reassuring Darwen residents that there will be public transport to take elderly and disabled people to the proposed new health centre.

Alexander Gordon, 53, of Brighton Terrace called for plans to be scrapped because access is not good enough for elderly and disabled people.

He said the proposed location behind the leisure centre was too far away and too difficult to get to on top of a hill.

But health bosses say they are looking into are three options to take people to the new centre.

A public transport loop, coming off the main road straight to the centre, or an extension to the Dial a Ride service are options, as is a free extension for people coming into town on public transport.

Janet Ledward, director of commissioning and strategic development, said: "People have understandable concerns. We are working with colleagues from the borough council to find solutions.

"Although the final consultation has ended, local people will continue to be involved on all issues concerning the proposed health centre, including access." A Blackburn with Darwen Primary Care Trust meeting was told last month, director of corporate development, David Brunskill said that surveys showed the majority of the public in favour of the site. But Mr Gordon claims that most people are against it. He said: "As far as I know from friends and other people I've spoken to, no-one knew about the surveys until we saw it in the paper.

"As far as I know there are not many people in Darwen who support this site.

"Maybe NHS chiefs are scared to call a public meeting. they have made a mistake in rushing the consultations without having all the people in Darwen having their say."

Mr Gordon has been suffering from a lower back problem for 20 years and uses a walking stick.

He said: "I have a hard time getting up slopes so it's not just about people in wheelchairs. It will be very hard for elderly people and people who are disabled in any way."