MEMBERS of the public will be given the chance to voice their concerns about proposals to abolish the Community Health Councils during a public debate.

Several local organisations and groups have already offered their support for the retention of the health watchdog but the public consultation will allow everyone to learn more about the groups and their future.

Burnley councillors turned down a motion, moved by Councillor Harry Brooks, calling for the government to retain the health watchdog because they believed more discussion was needed on the subject before a decision could be made.

Coun Stuart Caddy moved an amendment to the motion stating that the council needed to debate the government's proposals to abolish the CHCs with the public.

He said: "It's an important debate. If we are going to represent the people of Burnley as we are elected to do let's listen to what they've got to say."

Twenty-three councillors voted in favour of the debate, 21 against and two members abstained.

Coun Brooks praised the "distinguished leadership" of the chairman of the Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale Community Health Council, Frank Clifford, and the work of the CHC.

Mr Clifford said: "There has been no debate or consultation but there has been a great deal of concern the length and breadth of the land about the proposals.

"I think I can say without fear of contradiction that we do have a CHC in Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale that has been very pro-active."