CLYDEBANK’S new health centre looks set to get the green light even as concerns persist about services and access.

West Dunbartonshire Council planners have recommended elected officials approve the 1.26 hectare development at Queens Quay to replace the current centre on Kilbowie Road.

The centre controversially will have no X-ray facility and concerns have been raised about a general reduction in services at the new centre, as well as access by public transport and insufficient parking.

But Clydebank’s MSP said he believes the centre will make a difference to the town and improve health for residents.

Gil Paterson said: “There’s no doubt about it - the new health centre will help the community. It will be better able to address health outcomes.

“I think it will be in a better location and people will be more willing to ask for help. I hope I’m right.”

Some patients told planners there were smaller waiting areas and GP practices were not on the ground floor.

One member of the public said wheelchair/mobility scooter users would be expected to change chairs on arrival.

Councillors were given a briefing on the plans back in February and a number raised similar concerns about the lack of X-ray facilities as well as the suitability of the proposed materials, the practicalities of a flat room, landscaping and art plans and the visual impact of a roof-mounted plant.

But planners insist patients already switch to wheelchairs at Clydebank Health Centre and this is just continuing that policy.

There will be two GP surgeries on the ground floor and four upstairs, with three lifts. Staff from the current centre visited a similar site in Northern Ireland and were satisfied it would meet patient needs.

They also said there will be enough parking spots for patients and seats inside. Eastwood’s new health centre is a similar size but with fewer seats per 1,000 patients and has not had issues, said planners.

Papers going to the planning committee next week state the decision on x-ray facilities was made in 2016.

But Gil Paterson MSP said the national policy is nearly 20 years old to consolidate X-ray units because of the high cost of running them and the protections needed around them from radiation.

He told the Post: “Originally I was really concerned about access because the plan was to have it down at the waterfront. But I think they listened to that concern. It’s across the road, effectively, from the railway station.

“The health centre will be doing more than it has ever done in terms of capacity.”

Mr Paterson added the facility could never replace the need for A&E provision closer to Clydebank.

He said: “There’s a need for an A&E on this side of the river. Although Clydebank will lose it’s X-ray, I would rather get a new health centre delivering in the community having more services provided.”

Ground works have already started on the new nursing home that will be adjacent to the health centre. The planning committee meets on May 30 at the Garshake council offices in Dumbarton.