THE first move towards building a new health centre in Erith was a cause for celebration.
There was a band and entertainment for the children as Bexley's dignitaries gathered for the turning of the first turf on the site of the centre.
People in Erith have waited more than five years for a new centre, to be built on an expanded, existing centre site in Erith High Street.
The scheme nearly collapsed last year, when it was told it would not qualify for matched cash under a Private Finance Initiative. Eventually, regional health chiefs put in the £2.1m needed to ensure the project's future.
The £4.7m centre will house GP practices and other services such as dentistry, physiotherapy, community nursing, social services, a Citizens Advice Bureau, and a substance abuse service. Construction is expected to start next month and it is hoped it will be finished by July 2003.
Bexley Primary Care trust chairman Kathy Balcombe and Councillor Ken McAndrew turned the first turf.
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