A HEREFORDSHIRE town is struggling with only one GP surgery for thousands of people, as hundreds more homes bringing in more people are set to be built.
Ian Colewall spoke on behalf of his neighbours at the recent Ledbury Town Council meeting as he raised concerns over the already built and prospective housing developments.
This includes 600 homes as a part of a new local plan by Herefordshire Council to build 11,100 homes across the county in addition to 625 homes by Bloor Homes on a viaduct site that was previously turned down, but later approved.
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Mr Colewall, on behalf of his neighbours, shared concerns that the town's only GP, Ledbury Health Partnership, cannot cope with the number of families that are already in the area.
"We have 10 doctors, and they are part time, with 1,400 patients per doctor," he said.
"We need better infrastructure in that area."
Doctors are exemplary and nurses are brilliant when patients see them, but they struggle to get an appointment, said Mr Colewall.
"Many people are finding this a nightmare," he said.
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Coun Nick Sims said he empathised and has struggled to get his children in for routine appointments.
Ledbury Town Council do not have control over services such as doctor's surgeries, said coun Sims.
He proposed they hold parish council meetings with members of the public to talk about infrastructure.
Coun Tony Bradford pointed out they have no power over this matter.
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"All we can do is be a pain," he said.
The council previously invited Taurus Healthcare in to talk about the GP issue but the spokesperson said it came down to a money issue.
"My question was why did we get nothing, and the other towns did," said coun Bradford, who said he did not think holding a parish council meeting would attract enough people and that there should be a referendum.
But Mr Colewall said the town council should be seen making pushes that support Ledbury.
"It needs to be out in the open," he said.
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