Work on a much needed health centre in Horwich could get underway in March -– if site checks are approved.

The green light for the multi-million development was given the go-ahead in November.

The plans for the site on Market Street were first raised in 2016.

The new healthcare facility would replace three existing medical practices in Horwich, which have been considered no longer fit for purpose by a lot of residents.

Under the plans, there will be a pharmacy and specialist clinics for mental health and physiotherapy.

Under the plans the Pikes view and Market Street Surgery will relocate to the new centre along with various other services.

A total of 10,500 residents of Horwich would benefit from the direct primary care which is to be offered by the service.

When surveyed a total of 84 per cent or residents said they believed their healthcare would be improved by the creation of the facility.

It will be built with red brick rather than grey so it would fit in better with surrounding areas.

After the approval three months ago Cllr Samuel Rimmer said he was delighted by this and asked when the project would begin.

He said: “I was delighted in November when Bolton Council’s planning committee unanimously backed proposals for a new health centre.”

Cllr Sue Baines, cabinet member for wellbeing, confirmed this could begin in March.

She said: “I think we all acknowledge of getting this important facility on site and open for the community of Horwich.

“Council as landowner has put in place all necessary authority and finer details of the delivery programme are being agreed with the developer and the health partnership who have commissioned the build of the health centre.

“While Bolton Council is supporting the delivery of this project, it is not directly responsible for control of the build.

“That said, I understand the developer is targeting a start on site before the end of March, subject to satisfactory to the conclusion of site investigation work which is currently ongoing.”