Health and council officials are to consult the public on the location of a planned new health centre in Builth Wells. The consultation on the health and social care centre will last four weeks.

Plans have been the subject of much debate since last year.

Officials say centre will aim to provide more health services in the area.

Officials from the county council and Powys Local Health Board are working together on the scheme.

They have been working closely with campaigners over the future of the town’s hospital, which is under a cloud of potential cuts or even closure because of financial constraints.

Powys Association of Voluntary Organisations and representatives from Builth Wells surgery are also involved. If built, the centre could include medical beds, residential and nursing beds, a surgery, X-ray facilities and other clinics.

People are being asked to have a say on where the centre could be based. Various sites have been looked at.

Board member for adult services Councillor Rosemarie Harris said the most appropriate location was the livestock market.

She said: “The council’s Board has agreed to carry out a four-week consultation exercise with stakeholders and the community on the options available.”

Jonathan Morgan, chairman of the Builth Against Closing Hospitals said: “Bach is pleased the health and social care centre is still going ahead. Our hospital is under threat and to attract more health services into the area would be ideal.”