SENIOR health figures are holding regular meetings to come up with a successor to the failed super surgery' plan.

After the confrontations and arguments over the surgeries, most parties seem happy with the way things are going so far.

Warrington Primary Care Trust has said public support will be the key - something that was lacking with the super surgeries' idea.

The district's Clinical Reference Group held its first meeting last month. Andrew Burgess, chief executive of the PCT, said: "The group will meet regularly to progress with projects like the Orford Park development and the possible redevelopment of Garven Place.

"The group's recommendations will be considered by the PCT board. The PCT will then ensure that there is appropriate engagement with the public for any proposals.

"The aim is for a truly world class, fully integrated health service."

The super surgeries' plan proposed concentrating doctors and other health care workers at around five health centres across the town, rather than under the current system, in GPs' surgeries.

Dr Max Levy, of Latchford Medical Practice, in Thelwall Lane, represents the doctors union', the BMA, on the group.

He said GPs were very pleased' at being included in the discussions. They complained they were left out of the super surgery plan.

The new plan would need to tackle the hospital's and PCT's combined historic debt of £14.5m and perceived inequalities in health around town. The PCT has commissioned a specialist company to study the town's health data to see how this might be done.

Health bosses are considering how Warrington Hospital might run services such as physiotherapy and rehabilitation in the community.

Catherine Beardshaw, chief executive of North Cheshire NHS Trust, which is responsible for Warrington Hospital, said: "Overall the NHS is looking at providing care closer to home.

"What is most important is any changes are developed in consultation with local people."