Mass petition in Walkden for new medical centre in Walkden

A meeting is set to take place where the petition will be handed over.

More than 1,300 people have now signed the petition for a new walk-in medical centre, with features such as GPs, dentistry, and an ambulance bay suggested.

Paul Whitelegg (right) with Walkden residents (Image: Paul Whitelegg)

Paul Whitelegg, who spearheaded the campaign, said: “This is probably the largest signed petition Walkden has done and the screaming out for this service from residents is clear to see.

“We have now received a case number from the NHS ICB, and they are currently arranging a meeting with politicians, their team, and our steering group to take this even further.

“This is real progress – this is hope.

“We have now gathered over 1,000 signatures from local residents in support of this much-needed service.

“This campaign comes from a genuine place of concern for the health, wellbeing, and security of our community.

“Over the past few weeks, we have held three community meetings, with more than 500 residents attending to express how important accessible, round-the-clock medical care is to them and their families.”

Paul is co-founder of Walkden in Bloom, a community project dedicated to planting, improving, and maintaining green spaces in Walkden and Little Hulton.

Rubbish collected as part of a Walkden in Bloom litter pick (Image: Dan Dougherty)

The walk-in centre project grew directly out of Walkden in Bloom, as group members discussed what changes they would like to see made in the local area.

Walkden used to have a similar service ‘about 20 years ago’, according to Mr Whitelegg, which offered prescriptions, emergency health services, and health consultations.

Dentistry is a particular concern, as many of the local dentists are full, according to Mr Whitelegg.

This forces people out into Swinton, causing extra strain on services in those locations.