FEARS the weekly doctor s surgery in Branscombe may be axed have been dispelled by its practice manager. Many residents have signed a petition calling for the doctor s surgery in the village, run by Townsend House Surgery in Seaton, to be preserved after

FEARS the weekly doctor's surgery in Branscombe may be axed have been dispelled by its practice manager.

Many residents have signed a petition calling for the doctor's surgery in the village, run by Townsend House Surgery in Seaton, to be preserved after rumours that it may be set to close.

But Annette Mungeam, the surgery's practice manager, has ended this speculation.

She said: "There are no plans to close the Branscombe surgery whatsoever."

Edwin Purchase, 71, a Branscombe villager, had concerns about the surgery after he tried to book an appointment but was told it would not take place this month.

Instead, Mr Purchase booked an appointment at the Seaton surgery for Wednesday, July 15, and on his way, was involved in a minor car crash.

He told the Herald: "When I eventually got to the surgery I explained why I was late to the doctor and he said 'it's a pity you didn't come to see me at Branscombe on Monday'.

"I have spoken to one or two people who have said they were told the surgery wouldn't be open either."

However Mrs Mungeam said that particular surgery was always planned, but the following Monday's (July 20) had been cancelled.

She said she had no idea why someone would have told Mr Purchase the surgery was not open on that day.

She added: "We do cancel the Branscombe surgery sometimes in the summer because we are only a five partner practice. It is not always possible to send someone during the holidays."

Several residents had voiced their concern about the rumour, and, as well as signing the petition, were also planning to write to the Seaton practice asking for its Branscombe surgery to remain open.

Mr Purchase said: "I think that it's absolutely paramount that a doctor surgery is continued.

"In view of the fact there are so many elderly residents in Branscombe, it is not asking too much, especially as the village hall has a facility."

Branscombe resident Wilf Rabjohns, 69, added: "We are very grateful that the doctor is prepared to come here.