Anger at news The Green doctors surgery may be relocated

This has upset many residents who have begun petitioning against the possible move, and Hillingdon PCT have now offered to open the subject for discussion at two public meetings.

Vic Field, 72, who lives on The Green, West Drayton, said: "A new surgery at Porters Way is good in principle, but not at the expense of our current surgery.

"With the number of people moving into the area, we need an extra surgery, as it is it is difficult enough to get an appointment.

"I have lived at The Green for 50 years and the medical centre has been here for around 40.

"To move it to Porters Way seems like a crazy idea, some people would have to get two buses to get there."

Sandip Radia, manager of Winchester Pharmacy, in Swan Road, West Drayton, has heard many customers come in worried about the proposed move.

"Our main concern at the moment is that all patients are well informed of the situation.

"We have informed the PCT that public meetings are only the beginning of the consultation process and that questionnaires must be sent to all the patients after the public meeting asking whether they wish for the Medical Centre to remain open or close.

"The PCT have promised that the process will be thorough, clear and transparent."

Kevin Mullins, NHS Hillingdon director of commissioning, said: "NHS Hillingdon has a duty to consider all opportunities to improve the quality of local services and plan for any local population changes.

"We need, therefore, to go through a process of examining whether the proposal is in the best interests of currently registered patients, can meet the needs of the anticipated additional population, and is affordable."

Drayton Garden Village, the name of the 775 home development at Porter's Way, is currently being considered by Hillingdon Council's planners.

Two public meetings will take place on the issue, at the Women's Institute Hall, The Green, West Drayton on Wednesday 3 February at 2pm, and Thursday 4 February at 6pm.