A PROPOSED care centre in Winsford that will provide support for older people recovering from illness has been welcomed by the town council.

Elmhurst intermediary care centre, on Roehurst Lane, was given the go ahead by councillors at a meeting of the planning committee on Monday night and is seen as a major boost for Winsford.

Town Mayor Tony Hooton said: "It's been a long and difficult process to draw up a funding and management package for Elmhurst as an intermediary care centre.

"But the package is now in place and planning permission is being sought."

The care centre will be able to provide 32 places for elderly people who are well enough to be discharged from hospital but not fit to return home.

Clr Hooton said: "This will relieve any bed blocking which they may have at Leighton Hospital and get people closer to home for treatment.

"There is still a fair bit of work to do, but it will be a big improvement to the services we can offer in the town."

Elmhurst, which provides services including nursing and physiotherapy, closed down more than five years ago but Clr Hooton now believes it will play an important role in the future of health care in Winsford.

He said: "At the time it closed the decision seemed clear cut, but in hindsight perhaps it wasn't. But I'm delighted it is going to be reopened and I'm sure it will be of huge benefit to many people."