A PRIVATELY-run health centre is being touted for the proposed asylum seeker hostel at Throckmorton.

A Home Office spokesman has revealed that a private health firm - like BUPA - could be invited to set up a clinic especially for the 750 refugees sent to the camp on the former RAF airfield.

But he insisted the clinic would only provide doctors and nurses for check-ups and minor treatment, and would not be a "luxury" private hospital.

"No definite decision has yet been taken on the healthcare provision within the new accommodation centres," said the spokesman.

"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."

The spokesman said it would be several months before a decision on the health provider was taken, in consultation with the Department of Health.

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

"When you put 750, often very damaged, people in a remote, rural location, caring for them is a huge challenge," said Peter Luff, MP for Mid-Worcestershire.

"Getting the right balance of medical skills on site is almost impossible. You will end up over-providing.

"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."

Opponents also say that, because the area was forced to accept the burial of 130,000 carcases at the airfield during the foot-and-mouth crisis, it should not be asked to be blighted a second time.

Last week, villagers blamed the pit for a plague of flies which has hit their communities.