Approval for health centre

Long-awaited plans for a half-a-million pound health centre in Sandwell have been rubber-stamped by the borough's cabinet.

It is now hoped the new surgery within part of Tanhouse Community Centre in Great Barr will be up and running by next January.

Sandwell Primary Care Trust will take over the lease for 20 years and offer GP and other health services.

Sandwell Council's ruling cabinet approved the redevelopment yesterday.