SPELTHORNE'S MP, David Wilshire, has this week called on Surrey County Council to immediately release the land it owns, next to Shepperton Health Centre, so that a new and better day centre can be built.

His request is in response to last week's announcement, from the local director for Surrey in Spelthorne, Pat Kirkwood, that he intends to look at what is holding up progress, and try to move matters forward.

Mr Wilshire said: "After six years' delay, local people want action, rather than more talking.

"My research indicates that everyone else is ready to act, and that Surrey County Council is the one holding up progress."

The present health centre, built in the 1960s, serves 12,000 people, but is now considered inadequate for delivering modern medical care.

The doctors at the centre want to replace it at their own expense, and, for the past two years, have been looking for an alternative site, but nothing has been found that is suitable.

They now would like to buy the land next door to the centre, where a youth club is currently located.

The GP's, who say they would pay for a new youth club as part of their new development, have the support of the North Surrey Primary Care Trust, which owns the existing health centre, and Spelthorne Council.

Mr Wilshire recently organised a meeting at the centre, in Shepperton Court Drive, to discuss the need for redevelopment.

Mr Kirkwood said: "I want to get key people together, to identify what needs to be done."

May 30, 2003 10:30