Work has begun on a new doctor s surgery in Little Paxton, marking the culmination of more than two years efforts to retain a village practice. Chairman of Huntingdonshire Primary Care Trust Michael Lynch, who led many meetings between villagers and the

Work has begun on a new doctor's surgery in Little Paxton, marking the culmination of more than two years' efforts to retain a village practice.

Chairman of Huntingdonshire Primary Care Trust Michael Lynch, who led many meetings between villagers and the health authority last year when the surgery's future was in doubt, cut the turf at the new site on Friday to officially start the building work.

The decision to save the surgery was made last May, after patients in Little Paxton and The Hunts Post campaigned to retain the practice.

Since then, Little Paxton Parish Council, the Save Our Surgery (SOS) Group and the PCT have worked together to find a new site on the edge of the village playing fields and ensure building work could proceed.

Chairman of the SOS group, Peter Hagger, said: "This is a day the village has been looking forward to with great anticipation. At times, many wondered whether it would actually happen."

It is hoped the work - funded by the PCT - will be completed by the end of July.

The SOS group has also pledged financial support to the surgery to provide additional equipment. Fundraising events continue with a plant sale on Saturday, May 6, from 1pm until 4pm in the car park adjacent to the old surgery in St James Road.

Picture: HELEN DRAKE (0264)