LAND behind Darwen Leisure Centre has been confirmed by health bosses as the site for the new health centre.

The decision was taken by NHS chiefs at a Blackburn with Darwen Primary Care Trust meeting yesterday.

They were told that even though most residents were happy about the services provided by the current health centre, surveys and interviews found the vast majority wanted a new one to be built.

David Brunskill, PCT director of corporate development, said: "The public in Darwen is behind us and it's fantastic that people have shown so much interest.

"I'm just sorry we've only had a few months in which to carry out all the consultations."

PCT bosses were staggered by the number of people who were satisfied with the current service.

Trust chief executive Vivien Aspey said: "I was struck by the number of people who were satisfied with Darwen Health Centre and I feel we have to put a lot more time and effort about our aims for the future and we need to raise their expectations in the health service.

"Health professionals in the current centre are performing an amazing job in such a cramped environment."

The consultation revealed that most residents would be happy for the centre to be re-built on the same site, an impossible task according to Mr Brunskill.

He said: "Physically it would have been impossible to build what we wanted on that site.

"It's just not big enough."

The next step will also involve members of the public who will be consulted over the appearance of the building and which services it will offer.

The PCT promised the town's transport companies would also be consulted to make sure that people could get to the new centre without difficulties.