Benches for elderly and disabled patients have been removed from the plans for a multi-million pound health centre amid fears they could become a target for antisocial behaviour.

The £3.3m Leys Health Centre, in Dunnock Way, Greater Leys, Oxford, will welcome its first patients next month.

Seats including a memorial bench for former Blackbird Leys parish and city councillor Molly Florey, who died in June aged 71, were originally proposed but shelved on the request of police and planners to keep gangs of youths away.

The decision was made following a meeting between police, councillors and health bosses reviewing the layout of the building.

A memorial bench for former councillor Mrs Florey could be put up later in the year at the health centre and organisers may install temporary seating for pensioners which can be removed at night.

County councillor Val Smith said: "We haven't totally ruled out putting in benches in the future, but when it first opens it will not have any and we will monitor how it goes.

"There has been trouble with kids being kids up until 2am outside the shops next to the health centre.

"It's improving but with people living opposite the health centre it would be unfair if benches attract trouble.

"We could still have a seat for Molly -- we will see what happens and review it in the future."

Mrs Smith added that the fact that a bench, installed in Cuddesdon Way for former parish council chairman Jack Argent after he died, had been vandalised had swayed the group's decision.

The new health centre, which will include a pharmacy, doctors' surgery, dentist and counselling service, replaces the Blackbird Leys Health Centre in Blackbird Leys Road.

Roger Hampshire, Thames Valley Police crime prevention design adviser, said: "We have reports that up to 20 or 30 youths gather outside the Spar shop next door and putting benches outside would give them another place to congregate.

"When the health centre is operational we would like to put out seats for the senior citizens which can be removed at night.

"Otherwise it would cause a fear of crime for residents and if doctors had to come back late in the evening."

When the health centre is opened next month, two murals designed by teenagers living in Blackbird Leys will welcome patients and visitors.