A decision not to close Norwich's NHS walk-in centre has been hailed as "fantastic news" by local political leaders.

Bosses at NHS Norfolk and Waveney have announced that the centre in Rouen Road is here to stay, having considered shutting the service down once its current contract ends next March.

It came following widespread public outcry at the suggestion the centre could be lost - which sparked campaigning across the political spectrum.

More than 8,000 people signed a petition against the potential closure, which was handed to NHS bosses by local Labour Party members.

Clive Lewis, Labour's MP for Norwich South, said the decision not to close the centre was "fantastic news" and that he was "chuffed".

He said: "This shows that speaking up and speaking out can change things - it can affect change.

"I think the people of Norwich will be extremely pleased. I don't think anyone believed the changes would cater for them.

"Now we must make sure that they [NHS Norfolk and Waveney] don't make changes elsewhere that negatively affect the city."

Eastern Daily Press:

Chloe Smith, Conservative MP for Norwich North, who separately backed calls to save the centre, said: "I'm very glad the local health bosses listened to the strength of feeling in support of our walk-in centre.

"The idea should never have been floated in the first place, at a time when there's such pressure on GP services.

"I campaigned firmly with constituents because walk-in services are popular, helpful and good common sense.

"Norwich has said loudly and clearly: keep our walk-in centre. This is the right result."

A spokesman for One Norwich Practices, which runs the centre, said the company was "delighted" by the decision.

Norfolk and Waveney's integrated care board is set to formally approve the plans to keep the centre open at the end of May.