By Geoff Barnes

HOSPITAL administrators have been accused of making a dramatic land grab near the heart of Moreton town centre for the development of a health park.

Birkenhead and Wallasey Primary Care Trust, the body which presided over the closure of wards six and seven at Wallasey's Victoria Central Hospital, is behind the Pasture Road proposal.

Moreton and Suaghall Massie Conservative Cllr Chris Blakeley, said: "Last year when the PCT first suggested a centre on this site they promised full consultation - but have the people of Moreton even been asked?" Cllr Blakeley said that if the go ahead for the health park was given it would encompass the existing health centre and ambulance station and use other land within local authority ownership, putting a popular early learning centre at risk.

He commented: "If the PCT can prove their proposed health park will bring added benefits and improve the health of the people of Moreton, the it is to be welcomed.

"However after the phoney consultation on wards six and seven I suspect most people are very wary when it comes to promises from the PCT."

A PCT spokeswoman said Cllr Blakely and two other local councillors had met yesterday with Dr Abhi Mantgani, the trust's medical director along with GPs and practice managers to discuss proposed plans for Moreton Health Park.

She commented: "Following a detailed discussion the councillors are happy to support any initiative that brings improved health facilities and access to the local population; providing it compliments or improves existing services.

"The existing outline proposals appear to bring this benefit."