Raising hopes of saving the service with the health secretary in the House of Commons, Norwich North MP Chloe Smith questioned Steve Barclay and health minister Neil O’Brien.

She asked: "At a time when GP services and A&E services are under pressure, I'm really pleased to see the ministerial teams focus on helping people to see a doctor when they need one.

Chloe Smith MP in the House of Commons on Tuesday, March 7 voicing her opposition to plans to shut Norwich's walk-in centre - Picture: Parliament Live (Image: Parliament Live)

"Would the minister agree with me that walk-in centres - such as ours in Norwich city centre - are helpful, popular and necessary?"

Mr O’Brien, speaking on Tuesday afternoon, agreed: "My honourable friend is absolutely right. Walk-in centres are a key part of primary care - we're looking at how they can do more.

"I pay tribute to all that they are already doing."

READ MORE: Norwich walk-in centre helps man after GP refused medication

Chloe Smith MP in the House of Commons on Tuesday, March 7 voicing her opposition to plans to shut Norwich's walk-in centre - Picture: Parliament Live (Image: Parliament TV)

This comes after Ms Smith published an open letter voicing her firm opposition to proposals to potentially close the Rouen Road walk-in centre.

"The health secretary recognises how much people value walk-in centres, and he gave a very clear statement today in support of walk-in centres," she added.

"Norwich’s walk-in centre should not be closed."

The Evening News is also throwing its weight behind hopes to save the centre from closure with its 'save the walk-in centre' campaign.

The Evening News is throwing its weight behind hopes to save Norwich's NHS walk-in centre from closure - Picture: Newsquest (Image: Newsquest)

READ MORE: How has Norwich's NHS Rouen Road walk-in centre helped you?

In recent weeks Norwich South MP Clive Lewis and Norwich North parliamentary candidate Alice Macdonald have also launched Labour's petition calling for the walk-in centre to be protected. 

Clive Lewis, MP for Norwich South (Image: Archant)

They have written to the CEO of the NHS Integrated Care Board for Norfolk and Waveney to object to proposals.

The letter sets out three key reasons why it must be saved, including its need as it provides more than 5,000 appointments a month, the relief it provides for the wider NHS and equality, as many of the poorest and most vulnerable people in the city rely on the centre.

Alice Macdonald, parliamentary candidate for Norwich North (Image: Alice Macdonald)