Residents in Whitchurch can finally have their say on plans to create one main hub for health centres in the town as drawings have been released for the Pauls Moss development.

People in the town, of all ages, are invited to have their say on proposed plans for a new housing and healthcare development, which will be on display as part of a community drop-in event will be held on Friday, October at the Civic Centre – in the High Street – between 12pm and 6pm where residents can view the suggested plans and talk to partners involved in the project.

The project has long been mooted after the closure of Richmond House Surgery, in Station Road, which soon became Claypit St Surgery, operated by Shropdoc before they relinquished the contract to Bridgewater Surgery, in Bridgewater Street.

As part of wider regeneration plans for the town, the Pauls Moss scheme will join two existing GP practices – including Bridgewater Street who are now known as Churchmere after merging with Ellesmere Medical Centre in Ellesmere in a modern, purpose-built medical centre.

It will also offer offer combined housing and care services for the over 55 age group and provide a community space for activities and events.

Peggy Mullock, Chair of the Whitchurch Patients Group, has been a long-term supporter of the project and has worked to bring all the stakeholders – NHS England, Shropshire Clinical Commissioning Group and the practices in Whitchurch – together and she is delighted at the progress being made.

But she insists the day at the Civic Centre will not be completely worth it unless residents, especially those impacted upon by the plans, come along to the Civic for the consultation process.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for Whitchurch residents to come and discuss these exciting development plans, which will bring new healthcare facilities and much needed specialist housing to our town," said Peggy, who is also a Shropshire councillor.

“It’s widely accepted that there is a need for improved medical services here. This new development will deliver an enhanced service for patients, as well as supplying the housing and support needed for the growing numbers of older residents in the town.

“I’d encourage people to come and talk to the partners involved at this drop-in event. It’s an exciting step forward for Whitchurch.”

The innovative project will revitalise the outdated area of Pauls Moss, delivering high quality retirement living accommodation and state-of-the-art health facilities.

Following an investment boost from Shropshire Council, drawings are now nearing completion to put forward in a formal planning application.

Project leaders are keen to hear the views of locals before finalising the application.

Jane Kind, project manager at the Wrekin Housing Trust, said: “We believe this exciting development will bring huge benefits to the area and the community in Whitchurch.

“We received very positive feedback at our last drop-in event, and we’re looking forward to speaking to more residents on October 5.”

The project is expected to take three years to complete and will be funded by Shropshire Council, The Wrekin Housing Trust, Homes England, NHS England, NHS Shropshire Clinical Commissioning Group and the One Public Estate programme.

The project has not been without controversy after Wrekin Housing Trust initially made the announcement to use Pauls Moss without informing residents currently living in retirement rooms there.

However, the trust has since worked hard with residents on options to re-locate and calm any fears they have about leaving their homes.

Other issues that have to be taken into consideration include how any new development would impact on residents in shared properties in Pauls Moss Court, which is owned by a different housing association.

Residents there have previously indicated their fears on how their every day lives will be affected with regarding to sewerage and access.