£4m centre plans will go on show

PUBLIC opinion is needed to help shape £4 million health, library and children's centre destined for Pelsall.

The combined facility earmarked for Pelsall High Street on the site of the existing GP surgery and library should be up and running in late 2011.

It is a joint project between Walsall Council, NHS Walsall and Children's services Serco.

Plans will be on show at a series of venues until February 13 for residents to share their opinions.

"This new centre will make a real difference to people living in Pelsall and is a prime example of what can be achieved by working in partnership," said Councillor Garry Perry, Walsall Council cabinet member for communities and partnerships.

"Children's centres have had a big impact in other areas and will offer people living here a range of services and support on their doorstep while statistics have shown that improving library facilities has a direct impact on the number of users.

"I would urge people to take some time out to come along to one of these venues and take a good look at the draft plans," he said.

"We want to hear what people have to say to help us in drawing up the final designs."

Walsall Council secured funding from the Department for Children, Schools and Families, which has earmarked around £600,000 for the children's centre aspect of the development.

The library element has £350,000 of capital funding this financial year and a further allocation identified in the draft capital programme for 2010/11.

NHS Walsall has confirmed £1.5m funding this financial year for the health centre with a further £1.5m expected for 2010/11 from the Strategic Health Authority Capital Programme.

Julian Rainsford, Director of Estates for NHS Walsall, said: "This excellent new project will give the Pelsall community first class, locally accessible health and well being services, including local access to modern and accessible primary care surgery services.

"It will also enable the shift of some hospital services to a community setting, including outpatient and some diagnostic services."

In addition to the public consultation, members of the Pelsall Project Group, including the architect, will be at the next meeting of Pelsall and Rushall Local Neighbourhood Partnership on Monday, February 1 at Pelsall Methodist Church, Chapel Street, at 6pm.

Plans for the centre can be viewed at; Pelsall Library, High Street; Rushall Library, Pelsall Lane; Rushall Medical Centre, Lichfield Road; Pelsall High Street Surgery, High Street; Millfields Nursery School, Lichfield Road, Bloxwich; Pelsall Village Primary, Old Town Lane; Ryders Hayes Primary, Gilpin Crescent, Pelsall, St Michael's CE Primary, Maple Road, Pelsall.

Comments on the plans can be written on slips provided at the venues and left there or emailed to graingers@walsall.gov.uk.

Feedback from the public consultation will then be used to help the architects draw up the final designs ahead of the submission of a planning application for the health, library and children's centre.