Alan backs local residents' calls for new medical centre in Portswood
15th January 2005
Alan Whitehead MP has given his backing for a new medical centre as part of the proposed Sainsbury's development on the site of the Portswood bus depot (27th Jan). The idea - proposed by Southampton Primary Care Trust and local GPs - received overwhelming support from local residents in a recent Alan Whitehead survey.
Following Sainsbury's announcement to develop the site, Alan Whitehead asked local residents for their views. Of the 272 replies 63% are broadly in favour of the development but with less support for the inclusion of student accommodation and housing, currently part of the plans. 48% of residents placed a medical centre as being most needed by the community, above affordable housing (32%), a Sure Start or pre school centre (16%) and student accommodation (3%).
Alan Whitehead MP said,
"Any development on this site will significantly alter the character of Portswood and so it is vital that the views of the community are listened to. My survey shows that whist residents are generally in favour of Sainsbury's proposals they have a number of ideas and concerns not currently addressed. Chief among these is Portswood's need for a new medical centre, an idea supported by local GPs and one which could complement a new development very well."