THE boss of an East Lancashire health authority says its escape from controversial merger plans is "excellent news".

Paul Hinnigan, acting chief executive of Blackburn with Darwen NHS Primary Care Trust, said the authority could now form closer links with the borough's council.

Many PCTs in England have been made into larger authorities, including the merger of Hyndburn and Ribble Valley and Burnley Pendle and Rossendale PCT.

The new PCTs created to save management costs were announced this week by health secretary Patricia Hewitt.

But Blackburn with Darwen PCT will cover the same geographic area as the borough council.

The authorities decide the type and of amount of services provided by hospitals and organise community service such as GP surgeries and dentists.

Mr Hinnigan said: "This is excellent news for local people as it means we can build on our close links with Blackburn with Darwen Council to commission the very best services that are shaped around the needs of patients and deliver the very best value for money for taxpayers.

"The Government's decision means that the PCT, through a closer working relationship with the borough council, will play a pivotal role in delivering benefits for patients from more joined-up working with social services .

"This will mean that patients will have all of their needs looked at and avoid unnecessary duplication."