VILLAGERS have said they will fight to keep their surgery after doctors were threatened with eviction by the former GP who used to practise there.

Terrington Surgery had received notice from solicitors, on behalf of their landlady, Dr Elizabeth Bradley, to find alternative premises.

Lawyer Andrew Little said in a letter to the practice, dated January 4, that the practice partners had made an offer to purchase the freehold of the building, which Dr Bradley had rejected, and she had requested steps to be taken to recover the property.

However, they have now been told the eviction notice has since been rescinded.

Dr Judith Matthews, from Terrington Surgery, said they wanted to reassure patients there were no plans to close.

“We would like to stress to all patients that there are no plans to close the practice,” she said.

“Plans are being made for emergency premised should we need them.”

Dr Matthews added: “Please be reassured that we will continue to provide a service to our patients at Terrington.”

Dr Nick Wilson, from the surgery, said the practice was operating as normal and the surgery had been in discussions with NHS England and the Vale of York CCG (clinical commissioning group), who had made alternative plans.

He said neither the surgery nor the CCG had any intention of closing the practice and it was intended to hold a meeting with patients at the earliest possible time.

Dr Wilson said that NHS England had contacted the Helmsley practice after Dr Bradley had retired and had asked it to take over the contract for Terrington with one day’s notice, which had significantly stretched its workload.

He said that since then, the practice had increased its list size by 33 per cent and achieved the highest satisfaction rates out of all the practices within the Vale of York CCG.

The CCG said it was very keen to maintain the practice in Terrington and had worked to help local GPs in planning to maintain a service to patients, should the use of the building be withdrawn.

“We will work with the practice and others in the neighbouring area to support a primary care service for these patients and do all we can to minimise the disruption this action could cause,” it said.

Local resident Ian Hughes said everyone in Terrington was “up in arms” about the situation.

“The village is right behind the surgery and the doctors and staff who work there,” he said.

“We will do whatever we can to fight this. It is unacceptable that we are being threatened with the loss of such a valuable service to so many people.

“Terrington Surgery was voted the top surgery in Ryedale in a recent health questionnaire.

“It is unacceptable that we are being threatened with losing it and we will do everything in our power to support the surgery.”

Dr Bradley was given opportunity by the Gazette & Herald to comment but she said she was unable to do so at this stage.