THE headquarters for a new health watchdog have opened up in Melksham. Offices for Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) Forums covering Avon, Somerset and Wiltshire, have opened in Spa Road.

The new initiative, which has replaced Community Health Councils, is made up of local people from a wide range of backgrounds.

They will watch over the quality of healthcare and help shape decision-making.

Nick Westbrook, chief executive of the Health Advocacy Partnership which supports the PPI said: "It is a big learning curve for members but I'm confident the right sort of support will be built up."

More than 570 PPI Forums have been set up one for each NHS Trust and Primary Care Trust in England.

Anyone interested in joining the forums can phone (0845) 1207115 or log on to website www.maketimeforhealth.org