HUNDREDS of villagers have now signed a petition opposing the potential closure of a doctors’ surgery.
In January, Belmont Surgery, on Main Road, announced that it could soon close its doors for good, due to the retirement of the site’s doctors, meaning the Gilwern village could also be left without a GP surgery.
A petition opposing this possibility has now been signed by approximately 400 villagers.
Local resident Fay Bromfield, who launched the petition, said:
“Once the announcement was made it sent shockwaves through multiple villages as it could potentially effect 3,200 residents, forcing them to travel many miles to access a GP.
“As I said previously, I appreciate doctors are retiring which means the building could be sold, but Powys Health Board and Aneurin Bevan Health Board have a duty of care to residents.
“The fact that 400 people have signed my petition really does speak volume, and I hope the health boards will heed our concerns.”
And Peter Fox, the Member of the Senedd for Monmouth, added:
“The residents of Gilwern and neighbouring villages are rightly concerned by the latest announcement, and the level of anxiety they are facing is unacceptable. That is why it is vital that the health boards keep in regular contact with residents to keep them fully update with any development.
“I will continue to work closely with Fay and residents regarding this deeply troubling situation.”