A TOP Southampton politician has urged residents to have faith in city health chiefs over the future of the at-risk Bitterne Walk-In Centre.

As reported by the Daily Echo, the centre was set to close in December for a pilot project where its team of nurses would have been used in GP surgeries across the city to relieve winter pressures.

But Southampton Clinical Commissioning Group and Solent NHS Trust, who were behind the plans, said they would try to find the cash to fund both projects following a recent public meeting.

And local councillor Royston Smith, leader of the Conservative group, said the CCG were “men of honour” who would not go back on their word.

He said: “The CCG has made their decision and they will not go back on what they have said to the public. If they come back with a proposal in the summer then we can look at that, but the CCG is acting with the upmost integrity and honour.”

He added: “Not only did this process not damage our relationship with the CCG, I think it firmed it up. Their attitude was they are working in partnership and they are going to take notice of what we say. The walk-in centre is going to be kept open so this is a good news story.”

Meanwhile, Rowenna Davis, Labour candidate for the seat in 2015, described the CCG’s new plan as a “fantastic result”.

She added: “The fight isn't over yet. The Clinical Commissioning Group has said it will take the peoples’ verdict seriously, but their board is yet to make the final decision.”

The CCG meets on November 26 to finalise a decision on the centre.

Chief executive John Richards said any consultation on the future of the centre could not take place during the pilot scheme but that it should take place next summer after the General Election to avoid politicising the issue.

He added carrying out the pilot would provide valuable evidence to support the CCG’s proposals.