A BID to save an under-threat walk in centre from closure has been unveiled by a Southampton politician ahead of a public meeting tomorrow.

As reported by the Daily Echo, Southampton Clinical Commissioning Group and Solent NHS Trust are planning to close Bitterne Walk-In Centre as part of a six-month pilot study to see if its services can be delivered through GP practices and community care.

But the plan has caused outrage among local residents who are furious they could be forced to travel across the city for out-of-hours medical help.

Already there is a petition with more than 800 names attempting to make health bosses rethink the idea.

Tomorrow afternoon scores of people are expected to show their support for the at-risk centre in Commercial Street as a public meeting takes place at Bitterne’s United Reformed Church.

The meeting, which starts at 2pm, has been organised by Southampton Trade Unionists and Socialist Coalition (TUSC) who are calling for no job losses, closures or cuts to the NHS.

Meanwhile, Royston Smith, leader of the city’s Tory party and Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Southampton Itchen at next year’s General Election, says he has come up with an alternative plan to save the facility – in the pharmacy across the road.

Daily Echo: Southampton City Council leader Royston Smith and HMS Astute

Cllr Royston Smith

He said one receptionist and five nurses of varying seniority could be employed for around £300,000 per year, with equipment and general running costs bringing it up to £700,000 – half of the current cost.

He told the Daily Echo: “I have priced up a plan for a walk-in centre to be based in the pharmacy and it could be run for far less than half of what the existing centre costs now.

“I think there’s no question, with a bit of creative thinking, we can save the walk-in centre and put more money into relieving winter pressures.”

Cllr Smith has also written to the CCG and the city council’s health and scrutiny overview committee demanding an explanation over why there has been no public consultation.

Labour’s 2015 candidate for the Southampton Itchen seat Rowenna Davis has also been campaigning to save the centre and has launched a petition that has more than 800 signatures.

Daily Echo: Rowenna Davis

Rowenna Davis

Ms Davis said: “At the very least we need a full public consultation.”

A CCG spokesman said they had not seen any plans from Cllr Smith but welcomed any feedback from the community.