PLANS for a controversial new purpose-built health centre moved a step closer last week when an NHS trust board agreed to proceed with the relocation of three GP practices to Dunwoody Way.

Under the proposals, the doctors' surgeries in Delamere Street, Victoria Street and Mill Street would be moved under one roof to a new centre in Dunwoody Way, which would also host other community services.

Last week's Central Cheshire Primary Care NHS Trust board meeting agreed to go ahead with the proposals, which were the subject of a three-month public consultation earlier this year.

Work on the new centre is expected to begin next year, with a completion date pencilled in for some time in 2007.

Professor Pauline Ong, chair of the Central Cheshire Primary Care Trust board, said: "We would like to receive regular progress reports on how this development is moving towards achieving local people's expectations.

"I'm very excited by the opportunities offered by this new centre."

The public consultation revealed that local people were either wholly in favour of the move, or were concerned about travelling from the Alexandra ward end of Crewe to the new site.

An independent group of local people, chaired by borough MP Gwyneth Dunwoody, recommended a number of points to be considered, including a comprehensive travel and transport plan, disabled access, the integration of a pharmacy, the status of the building as an aesthetic and appealing landmark, and the community activities that it should host.

Mike Pyrah, the PCT's chief executive, said: "I'm confident that these elements can be included in the planning of the centre, and I would like to continue to involve local people in thinking about how services can be improved.

"The judgement of whether this 21st-century development is a success depends on how well we incorporate the needs of all the local users into all our planning time."