VILLAGERS have been angered at the suggestion that asylum seekers at the proposed centre at Throckmorton could have their own privately-run health centre.

The Home Office has revealed that a private health firm could be invited to set up a clinic especially for the 750 refugees who could be housed there if government plans reach fruition.

The threat of the asylum centre has caused anger among local residents who fear their villages and local services would be swamped.

Peter Luff, MP for Mid Worcestershire, said: "When you put 750, often very damaged, people in a remote rural location, caring for them is a huge challenge. Getting the right balance of medical skills on site is almost impossible. You will end up over providing."

He said: "It's another problem of location. They should put them where there are the skills to cope, such as near teaching hospitals. It's another argument for abandoning this whole idea."

The Home Office statement said a clinic on site would only provide doctors and nurses for check-ups and minor treatment, and would not be a "luxury" private hospital, and it pointed out no definite decision had yet been taken on the healthcare provision within new accommodation centres.

"It could be provided by a private company or the public sector, but we're not talking about a BUPA hospital with private televisions and a choice of menu. This is for primary healthcare, with the emphasis on taking away the burden from local hospitals and the NHS. If serious medical care was required, that would not take place within the centre but would be provided at the local NHS hospital."