CAMPAIGNERS fighting to save their community hospital have hit out at plans for new headquarters for a primary care trust.

Durham Dales Primary Care Trust (PCT) wants to build a new headquarters for about 80 staff at South Church Enterprise Park, Bishop Auckland.

The headquarters, on Henson Close, will include single and two-storey buildings and a 52-space car park with landscaping.

The plans have been passed by Wear Valley District Council's development control committee.

But members of the Homelands Hospital Action Group say that the plans are upsetting after the trust decided to close the community hospital at Helmington Row.

Former Crook councillor and campaigner David English said that the group was incensed by the proposals.

He said: "We are looking for £2m or so for a new building to replace Homelands Hospital, which is a much needed facility in Crook, Willington, and the surrounding areas.

"We were told there was no money available, then we hear of this. It is like rubbing salt in the wound.

"This is the problem with the health service. Money for offices but not for important things like a community hospital.''

Andrew Kenworthy, chief executive of the PCT said that the new building would not cost any more money.

He said the proposals will mean that staff, based in different buildings in Bishop Auckland and the surrounding area, will be able to work under one roof.

Mr Kenworthy added: "The new headquarters will provide a base for meetings of clinical teams and GPs across the Dales. We are currently paying the private sector for the use of their venues for meetings.''

The chief executive said that the PCT's management costs were below 1.7 per cent of its total expenditure which was comparable with PCTs across the country.

He said the decision to close Homelands was supported by the Patient Fora, the Acute Trust and Age Concern which was commissioned by the PCT to seek the views of the public.