A NEW doctors’ surgery in Woolavington is a step closer to being completed in time to serve thousands of patients in January.

The building at Crockers Hill, which should be watertight by the end of the month, will complement the existing Edington Surgery and is due to be completed later this year.

It will replace the outdated and cramped Woolavington branch surgery, which operates from a former council flat in Bitham Walk. 

Daniel Vincent, practice manager at Edington Surgery, said: “Edington Surgery is working closely with the Patient Participation Group to develop the services that will be offered across the two sites.

“The decision has been made that we will operate as one practice with two sites, with a new name – Polden Medical Practice.

“As the new surgery opens in Woolavington we hope this name better reflects the population we serve.”

Dr Andrew Rowling, of Edington Surgery, added: “We are entering a new and exciting phase in the history of the surgery and we very much look forward to welcoming patients new and old.” 

Registrations for new patients can be processed now. Patients already registered with Edington Surgery will be able to use the facilities at the new surgery without having to re-register.
Planning consent was also granted for 45 homes on the rest of the site, including 18 affordable homes.

BAE Systems has now selected Newland Homes to develop the remainder of the Crockers Hill development and to manage the affordable housing provider. A reserved matters application for the housing development will be submitted to Sedgemoor District Council this autumn.

Subject to planning permission, work could then start on site in early 2015.

To complete footpaths and traffic calming measures there will be a temporary road closure of Higher Road, from the junction of Crockers Hill to Chertsey Close, for two weeks from August 4. Pedestrian access will be maintained.

 During the closure, through- traffic will be diverted via Crandon Bridge.