WORK is getting under way this week to start the long-awaited Great Harwood Health Centre.

It comes after the first images of the multi-million pound centre were unveiled in the autumn.

The NHS proposals are for a £3.1m facility that would be ‘fit for the 21st century’.

The project was shelved in 2010 after the NHS said it was no longer affordable in the tough economic climate.

However health bosses now say ‘good progress’ has been made on the project and the new centre will allow more services to be commissioned for residents closer to home Local councillor Kerry Molineux said: “I am so proud of the work everyone involved has done to be able to achieve what was felt to be impossible, by bringing the new health centre into fruition.

“I was very excited when I stepped outside the door, to take the children to school this morning, to find a digger and a wagon on the ground of the new health centre.

“It would appear that they are making a start on clearing the area.

“Here is hoping for a smooth and simple build and to the opening of the Health Centre as soon as possible.”