A NEW £3.5 million health centre could be built in Yeadon.

The scheme, which will see the demolition and rebuilding of the run down Yeadon Health Centre, off Harper Lane, is one of several currently being discussed across Leeds.

Chosen by the Leeds North West Primary Care Trust as the project most likely to succeed, the initiative has been put forward for the first phase of a government-backed scheme.

If chosen, the Yeadon project will see the demolition of the 1960s health centre, currently deemed too small for the five GP Practices and other health services.

The replacement building will provide new accommodation for the doctors as well as other new and expanded health services.

Graham Hoult, non executive director of Leeds North West Primary Care Trust (PCT), said Yeadon Health Centre was a first priority.

"This is the best opportunity for many years to improve our buildings and create new facilities in our neighbourhood," he told the Wharfedale Observer.

"The plan is to rebuild on the existing site, but with almost three times the space and some additional services - some of which could be brought out of city centre sites like the Leeds General Infirmary or St James's."

Councillor Dr Makhan Thakur (Con, Aireborough), whose surgery is next door to the Yeadon Health Centre, said he welcomed the proposals.

"This is absolutely needed, the roof is leaking and the building is practically falling down. The good thing about this NHS scheme is its flexibility, they will be able to put all the district nurses in there and various health services, it will be health care provision for all central GPs.

"I think it is an extremely good idea and brilliant for Yeadon," he added.

Coun Graham Latty (Con, Aireborough), said that he could not imagine why the scheme would not carry favour.

"When the health centre was put up it was practically a temporary building and not meant to last, I can't imagine anyone not being in favour of it, I think it is a first class idea," he said.

"The place needs redeveloping. We're short of medical services in Yeadon and with a developing population we need all the medical services we can get."

The scheme is one of several being discussed across Leeds under the Strategic Service Development Plan (SSDP) - part of the multi-million pound NHS LIFT programme.

Leeds was named as one of 24 areas to benefit from the third wave of the NHS Local Improvement Finance Trust (LIFT) programme in August last year.

Mr Hoult added: "The LIFT scheme offers local patients and taxpayers the best value for money available and I totally endorse the initiative, our practitioners and staff all deserve a boost."

Chris Reid, chief executive of Leeds West Primary Care Trust, said: "The strategic plan provides a detailed framework for modernising services across Leeds.

"It sets out how we plan to work with partners to deliver national priorities together with an explanation of how we will improve the range and quality of services available to local people.

"Much of the focus of the plan is on shaping services around the specific needs of the five primary care communities in Leeds.

"Details of the initial phase schemes identified by each Primary Care Trust and other health providers will be discussed further with staff and local people in the coming weeks."

l A decision on whether the Yeadon project will go forward is likely to be made by the end of the week.