MORE than 32,000 people are against plans to close walk-in centres across Wirral.

The figure was revealed at Tuesday’s board meeting of Wirral’s clinical commissioning group, where multiple petitions and campaigns were presented to members.

It comes as a consultation over plans to close walk-in facilities at Eastham Clinic and Victoria Central Wallasey, Miriam Medical Centre in Birkenhead, Parkfield Medical Centre in New Ferry and Moreton Health Clinic comes to an end.

All of the services would be moved to Arrowe Park Hospital in the form of an Urgent Treatment Centre, but on Tuesday it was claimed a fifth of Wirral’s adult population – around 32,188 – have voiced their opposition.

A spokesman for the Wallasey Labour Party was in attendance at the meeting at the Lauries Community Centre in Birkenhead, presenting a petition of around 3,000 signatures.

He told the meeting: “The walk-in centres are a key and indispensable part of our communities.

"We have been knocking on doors, speaking to hundreds and hundreds of people in the process.

“There is a genuine sense of fear these changes could affect families, children, parents, siblings, grandparents and more.

“This transcends politics and members of all parties have agreed.”

The move is in a bid by the CCG to make the system less confusing, ease pressure on A&E, and move care 'closer to home.'

It will see more GP appointments created, as well as local health and wellbeing centres introduced.

But it’s faced significant opposition since the consultation began in September – and it was claimed at Tuesday’s meeting that more than 32,188 people have signed petitions against it.

Dozens of local residents attended the meeting, at which members of the public were given 10 minutes to address the board.

Cllr Tony Norbury was one of those, and claimed closing the centres would be a 'detriment to the people of Wirral.'

He said an alternative case was being prepared that would mean leaving the walk-in centres open.

Dr Abi Mantgani of Miriam Medical Centre in Birkenhead added that the changes proposed by the CCG were 'fundamentally wrong.' He said he would present the fresh proposal, and that it would be 'within the financial envelope outlined by the CCG.' It will be presented at a future council meeting, he added.

Rock Ferry councillor Moira McLaughlin was also in attendance, presenting a petition on behalf of Birkenhead MP Frank Field.

The consultation closes on Wednesday, with the results and a decision set to be made next year.