The surgery at Dedham has won a reprieve.

Residents had fought to save the Parsons Field surgery, which had been declared unfit for staff and patients.

Constable Country Rural Medical Practice wanted to transfer the patients to a modern centre in East Bergholt.

But local people argued the plan would have a disastrous effect and yesterday Central Suffolk Primary Care Trust agreed the surgery should stay open for the time being.

A steering committee, comprising representatives of village organisations, the practice and the Trust together with an independent adjudicator and an independent GP, is to be set up.

Its remit is to progress the matter to see what level of medical cover was needed.

Chris Garnett, Colchester Council's ward councillor for Dedham and Langham, said: "We are very pleased with that.

"The board members were critical but constructive and the Trust officers report was extremely well-balanced and useful."

Published Thursday, June 19, 2003

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