SAVE ACCRINGTON VICTORIA WALK-IN CENTRE

The Hyndburn Labour group have been campaigning to save the walk-in centre at Accrington Victoria Hospital which is due to close permanently in March. The campaign is being led by Kimberley Whitehead, the partner of Hyndburn MP Graham Jones who started the petition.

Kimberley, 37, said, “I think there is always hope and we’re determined to get a good outcome. We’ve got four weekends ahead to make a final push. I have not met anyone yet who is in favour of the closure. I think people won’t know what to do. We’ve not been told about the replacement service or where it will be. What will the criteria be and how will it work? I think people will take risks and perhaps not see someone when they would have otherwise used the walk-in centre. With the support we’ve had already, the CCG have to listen.”

A number of political heavyweights have also thrown their support behind the campaign as it enters its crucial final stages.

Shadow Chancellor John McDonnell MP, and Jonathan Ashworth MP, Shadow Health Minister, have joined Hyndburn MP Graham Jones and Alyson Barnes, parliamentary candidate for Rossendale and Darwen, in backing the fight.

The petition will be officially handed over to Mr Ashworth on March 10th who will present it to Parliament.

Rishton Labour Party member Will Nuzum said, "I have been collecting signatures for the petition aimed at saving the walk in centre. I have stood outside the Co-op store during lunchtimes and afternoons and have had a good response from the public. A lot of local people are concerned and strongly support the campaign."

Will is organising more petition days in Rishton and can be contacted on 07970 430857 if anyone would like to help out.