Work to start on drawing up plans for new GP surgery in Whittle-le-Woods

Site investigation work will start later this year to look at options for a new GP surgery in Whittle-le-Woods after Chorley Council completed the purchase of a piece of land from a local church.

The move will be a joint venture between the council and the existing Whittle Surgery that needs to expand to meet demand.

Cllr Alistair Bradley, leader of Chorley Council, said: “We know the increase in housebuilding imposed on us by Central Government is taking its toll on local services such as GP practices, dentists and schools and this is an example of where we can do our bit to help redress the balance.

“This part of the borough has seen more than its fair share of housing being built and I’ve heard first-hand the struggles that the surgery is having to keep up with demand.

“It is really important people get easy access to basic healthcare facilities like this and it is another example of us investing in our rural villages to benefit residents.”

The council bought the land, on Preston Road, in May.

The early stages of work will be to draw up proposals for a new GP surgery and beyond that there are aspirations to provide some community use on the site.

Practice Manager at Whittle Surgery, Keely Unsworth, said the support of the council was instrumental in making the expansion plans possible.

“We have been looking at plans to create a new surgery for some time and we’re confident that we can now make that a reality by working with the council,” said Keely.

“We want to be able to provide a first-class service to residents that is easily accessible and we look forward to seeing the proposals develop over the coming months.”

Cllr Mark Clifford, who represents Whittle-le-Woods ward said: “The need for the new surgery is desperate and residents cannot wait for it.

“Car parking has been a problem and hopefully it can be sorted with this state-of-the-art facility. I am delighted to have been part of the project.”