Keep our walk-in centre.
That was the clear message from the people of Norwich as a petition containing more than 2,300 signatures was handed in by campaigners fighting to save the much-loved facility.
It comes after the Evening News launched the Save the Walk-In Centre campaign, following the news its future was under threat with its contract due to run out in March 2024 if not renewed.
In January, NHS commissioners launched a public consultation asking whether the people of Norwich felt the contract should be renewed.
Over the last month, this newspaper has pressed the case for keeping the service alive, with reports on those who have benefitted from services provided at the venue.
Norwich South MP Clive Lewis and Norwich North parliamentary candidate Alice McDonald and other Labour Party activists presented the petition at County Hall.
Ms Macdonald said the Labour petition had amassed 2,300 signatures after launching, adding that the message was clear city folk wanted the centre to remain open.
She said: "People are telling us they really care about the walk-in centre and want to protect it in this consultation.
"It's a really vital and critical service across Norwich and Norfolk.
"At a time when the NHS waiting lists are at a record level and we all know the pressure on GP services.
"The walk-in centre is a vital part of that picture and relieves pressure on other parts of the NHS."
The petition will continue until final confirmation of when a decision on the consultation will be made.
Ms Macdonald added: "It's all part of building pressure and a lot of other organisations in Norwich are also putting pressure on anyone who thinks it's a good idea to close it.
"People in Norwich North say it gives them peace of mind, even if they haven't used it, they know it's there and they can go to it."
A spokesman for the Norfolk Integrated Care Board said: "From today the ICB is observing the pre-election period which restricts the communications activity we can engage in, so we will unfortunately not be able to provide comment."
The consultation can be accessed here where it can be completed online, via post or email.
The petition can still be filled out here.
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