AN INNOVATIVE health advice centre in Gravesend is going ahead despite opposition from the head of a major retail centre.

St George's Centre manager David Plumb objects to the Healthy Living project taking up prime shopping space.

But Gravesham Council has thrown its weight behind the scheme which aims to provide a variety of public health services for people of all ages.

The information centre will include an advice bureau with a caf and offices in New Road, near the entrance to the shopping centre.

Project manager John Britt said: “This is a new and exciting concept to promote healthier living.

“When people think of health they are usually focusing on illness. Activities delivered by our centre will begin to change that, as we all accept that prevention is better than cure.

“The location is important because it demonstrates the need to raise the profile of health and well-being to people.”

The scheme will set up a central point of contact for advice on a broad range of social issues including diet, smoking, employment and benefits.

When plans were first received by the council they were supported by Kent County Council youth and community services and Dartford, Gravesham and Swanley Primary Care Trust.

But Mr Plumb still maintains the scheme contradicts the borough's Local Plan to keep core retail space for shops.

Despite this, he has offered his support for the centre, saying: “We are supportive of the council's proposal for a health advice centre but we do not think this is the correct location.

“We have made similar representations on other proposals where we considered the use was contrary to planning guidance and would dilute the retail content of the core area.”