RAWTENSTALL’S urgent care centre is set to open after crisis talks between political leaders and health bosses.

Rossendale MP Jake Berry has been involved in detailed talks over the proposed unit at the town’s health hub, which was mothballed by NHS East Lancashire, the former primary care trust, in March.

And new council leader Coun Alyson Barnes has collected a 500-name petition, arguing that the decision should be reversed.

Fresh talks have been pledged over the centre in June with GP commissioners but no opening date has yet been confirmed.

The healthcare issue has become more pronounced after the closure of Burnley General and Rochdale Infirmary’s A&E wards, leaving Blackburn and Oldham as the nearest emergency units.

Mr Berry said: “I am happy to say that the future of the health hub looks brighter.

"While negotiations remain ongoing, the PCT has acknowledged that it has made a firm commitment to a seven-day urgent care unit in Rossendale.”

Coun Gladys Sandiford said: “We always knew that this was a commitment not an aspiration.

"I am pleased that the PCT is keeping its word.”

The £12million health hub, in Bacup Road, opened in March 2010, and a birthing centre was launched last December.

Steve Spoerry, NHS East Lancs chief executive, said: “This has been a positive meeting towards an urgent care unit in the valley.”