HUNDREDS of residents atended a public meeting to discuss fears over the future of one of Bolton's busiest GP practices.

Health bosses reassured concerned locals that the Ladybridge Surgery on the Ladybridge estate would not be closing, although they refused to confirm it would not be moved.

The Ladybridge Area forum called the emergency meeting with NHS Primary Care Trust bosses and local people after ward councillors were inundated with queries about the practice's possible closure.

Dr Steven Liversedge, Chairman of Bolton's Professional Executive Committee, which is made up of doctors, nurses and other health professionals and advises the PCT, told the packed meeting at the Deane Memorial Hall: "The practice is absolutely not going to close. There is some further investment going into it to improve facilities in the future."

Under Government plans, many of the services currently offered by the hospital, such as chronic disease management and several outpatient services, will be moved out into the community and housed in doctor's surgeries. Bolton's health bosses hope to create super surgeries to cope with this demand and provide facilities currently only available at the hospital.

Ladybridge residents are concerned their local surgery could be moved off the estate and into one of these centres.

One patient at the surgery Malcolm Bristoe said: "We recognise that some of the things at the surgery have fallen below par, but the main concern is that a medical centre is maintained on this estate.

"This is one of the largest private housing estates in Bolton and there are large numbers of old and infirm who will find it difficult to access medical services."

Dr Liversedge assured local people he would take their concerns on board and would fully consult with them before any decisions were made.

Cllr Andy Morgan, who chaired the meeting, said: "We've been given assurances that in the medium and long-term the surgery is safe and that no change in provision will be undertaken without full consultation of local residents.

"We've taken on board what's been said and local residents are somewhat happier that the surgery isn't going to close. "