EIight years of campaigning could finally pay off for householders desperate for the return of health services.

Residents lobbying for a new medical centre in Lostock have had their hopes renewed by a plan for a new £1m surgery.

Proposals for the NHS health centre have been put together by two doctors and a pharmacist who want to develop the old Lostock Clinic site on Barton Road.

Its closure in 2002 was a key factor in the formation of campaign group the Lostock Community Partnership.

Chairwoman Maureen Reilly told Trafford Metro: "It's fabulous news.

"This is something the people of Lostock have been fighting for for eight years and we have been lobbying the primary care trust ever since the clinic was shut down."

Margaret Duckett, of Barton Road, said it would be 'wonderful' to see the run-down building demolished to make way for the new centre.

She said: "It's the best thing that's happened to Lostock in a long time.

"At the moment the nearest surgery is the Delamere clinic but that isn't in walking distance and isn't easy to get to by bus.

"This will be right on my doorstep."

A planning application for the surgery and pharmacy has been submitted by pharmacists Asit Raja and doctors Richard Archer and Collette Norbury.

Should they gain permission, Mr Raja would look to relocate Lostock Pharmacy and the two doctors would move from their Bennett Street surgery in Stretford.

Mr Raja said: "We do need to bring healthcare facilities back to Lostock - there's been quite a hole in NHS services in the area.

"With housing developments planned there is a big concern over what's happening with health facilities."

For Dr Archer it's a chance to relocate to a bigger premises with more space for parking.

He said: "For both my existing patients and the Lostock community this is a fantastic opportunity to improve the facilities available."

The plan is being backed by Trafford Primary Care Trust, which says residents will be consulted about any healthcare changes.

It did not submit the plan.

Gina Lawrence, director of commissioning, said: "This is a very positive development and we have been working with the Lostock Partnership over the last few years to understand the needs of the local community."

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