I WRITE regarding the article which appeared in the Weston Mercury on December 10 and to subsequent letters relating to the proposal by the Wrington Vale Medical Practice for a new purpose-built surgery.

I WRITE regarding the article which appeared in the Weston Mercury on December 10 and to subsequent letters relating to the proposal by the Wrington Vale Medical Practice for a new purpose-built surgery.

In the article it is stated that doctors in Winscombe and Banwell are concerned that they could lose some of their health services if a new surgery is built in Langford.

The article is headed 'Fears that surgery will be a polyclinic' but I would point out that there is no such intention in the scheme proposed by the practice and that in any event NHS North Somerset has stated that polyclinics are not appropriate in rural areas.

I would also like to know why Dr Liam Fox, MP, (who constituency Wrington falls within) is speaking out for the Winscombe and Banwell Practice which is not in his constituency.

In a comprehensive leaflet which was sent to all patients in the Wrington Vale Practice, the reasons for the need to provide a single new purpose-built surgery which would be for the benefit all the patients were clearly explained.

The four month consultation process being held by NHS North Somerset with meetings at different locations is giving people the opportunity to hear about the various options and to express their views. Sadly, most of the meetings are being dominated by people from Wrington and it is sometimes difficult for those from other villages who are in favour of the single-site option to be heard. There are patients in 13 other villages besides Wrington who would benefit from the preferred option of a purpose-built surgery on a single site.

In response to letters in the Weston Mercury opposing the proposals, Dr Hooper set out the case for a single site surgery very well in his letter published in the issue dated December 24. Dr Hooper has recently retired as the senior partner in the practice and he expressed his sadness at the arguments and opposition of the Wrington SOS Group. Hopefully the SOS Group will take note of the comments of this well-respected doctor who served the people in Wrington so well for many years.

With regard to the letter from Echo Irving, chair of Wrington Parish Council, I would point out that individuals have the right to choose which practice they wish to attend and may have good reasons for their choice.

MARY POCKETT

Court Drive, Sandford