NHS bosses have been urged to return vital eye testing equipment which was ‘pinched’ from Rossendale’s new £12million health hub.

Health campaigners in the valley were outraged when it was discovered field eye tests had been halted at Rawtenstall’s state-of-the-art health centre in Bacup Road.

And deputy mayor Coun Gladys Sandiford said she was incensed when she discovered the necessary equipment had been taken to Burnley General Hospital, as its machinery was broken.

Coun Sandiford, who represents Greenfield ward, said: “I have already had a few telephone calls about this.

“The health centre has been robustly informed that we are sorry that, as sorry as we are for Burnley’s patients, that they should have to come over here for the eye tests.

“But the issue is that Rossendale patients are now having to go to Burnley. One lady I know lives in Kay Street and can literally spit and hit the new health hub.

“These are often elderly people that have to go over there and it is wrong.”

The eye test move follows concerns that hot meals are not being given to day patients at the hub because catering facilities are inadequate.

Stephen Farey, the hospital trust’s acting surgery general manager, said: “This piece of equipment was temporarily moved to Burnley General Hospital to help us ensure patients were treated promptly during a very busy time for the ophthalmology department.

“Following discussions with commissioners at the primary care trust, NHS East Lancashire, agreement has been reached to return this equipment to Rossendale Primary Healthcare Centre by the end of the year.”