SCORES of people turned out on Friday to get a look at plans for the new urgent care centre which is to be built in Devizes.

It is expected that a planning application will go to Wiltshire Council for the long awaited new centre in the first week of December.

Among those who attended the exhibition at the Corn Exchange was Devizes MP Claire Perry.

She said: "After the years of campaigning I am thrilled that the planning application for the Urgent Care Centre is to be submitted. Huge thanks go to everyone who has worked so hard to get to this stage.

"At last the people of Devizes and surrounding villages are a step closer to getting the healthcare services they need, and I know we are all determined to make this a reality.”

The plan put forward by the Wiltshire Clinical Commissioning Group will mean that patients will be able to see their GPs at the new centre and those with urgent problems receive immediate care.

Services will also move from Devizes Hospital and it is likely that x-ray will be available at the next door NHS Treatment Centre.

The main worry from people at the Corn Exchange was about travelling to the new building which is more than a mile from the town centre. But health bosses have pledged to talk to Wiltshire Council about improving public transport.

A spokesman for the CCG said: "We were delighted with the number of people who attended – around 130 – and with the general feedback which was overwhelmingly supportive.

"We heard some recurring themes – the vast majority of people were supportive of the location in terms of building and location in town, there was a lot of interest in the range of services which will be on offer and once we have clarified exactly what services will be provided we will obviously let people know what they are and, where relevant, consult.

"For instance some services will move from the hospital to the Urgent Care Centre and we need to ensure everyone is satisfied with that move. Understandably people had concerns about public transport in the area and we will be working with Wiltshire Council to ensure concerns are heard and people’s needs are met.

"It is important to remember that the drop in session was in preparation for an outline planning application, so setting the principal that the site can be used for health and housing, and the layout is indicative only at this stage.

"The actual layout will be determined once outline planning has been granted. Residents will get an opportunity to comment again at full planning. We anticipate the full application will go to the council the week after next."