PRESSURE is mounting on supermarket chiefs to include a medical centre in their plans to build a state-of-the-art store and flats on the site of a Southampton bus depot.

The scheme to build a Sainsbury's on the First bus depot in Portswood Road includes a food store with restaurant, 400 car parking spaces, 46 units of student accommodation and 97 flats.

Southampton Test MP Alan Whitehead is leading calls for a new medical centre to form part of the proposed development and has won the backing of GPs. Following Sainsbury's announcement of the site development, Mr Whitehead carried out a survey and found that most people wanted a medical centre added to the plans.

Mr Whitehead said: "Any development on this site will significantly alter the character of Portswood and so it is vital that the views of the community are listened to.

"My survey shows that, while residents are generally in favour of Sainsbury's proposals, they have a number of ideas and concerns not currently addressed.

"Chief among these is Portswood's need for a new medical centre, an idea supported by local GPs and one which could complement a new development very well."

Carole Gareze of Southampton City Primary Care Trust, which funds GPs, said she was "extremely pleased" that residents are in favour of having a medical centre on the site.

She said: "We will continue to raise support locally for our proposals to expand and improve the range of services offered by local doctors and nurses."

A Sainsbury's spokesman said the company would be keen to hear further suggestions about the plans.