PROPOSALS to change the face of mental health care provision in the town will only go ahead after further discussions take place.

Members of the borough council's executive board have recommended that talks continue between the council, the Primary Care Trust and the 5 Boroughs Partnership before the changes go ahead.

They still have concerns over funding and will recommend more talks when the board meets next Monday to consider a progress report on the proposed closure of up to half the in patient beds at Hollins Park.

The board will also consider the positive response by the 5 Boroughs Trust to the concerns of the borough council and the public about the trust's plans to develop resource and recovery services based at Hollins Park.

The trust has now agreed to develop these services for community-based patients within the town centre from April 2007 including an improved access and advice service.

They have also agreed to develop the services in close partnership with the local authority's mental health services and to base these services in the town centre, including continued use of the Gatehouse on the Warrington Hospital site.

Clr Roy Smith, the borough council's executive member for community services said: "Major concerns remain including whether the PCT can continue to fund mental health services, especially for older people, at the present level.

"Any reduction in NHS funding will put proposals at risk and will also jeopardise the ability of the council's own mental health services to support people's safety in the community.

"Getting this reorganisation right is vital for the many people who use mental health services across Warrington."