THE future of a village surgery is up in the air again after planners refused a re-submitted planning application.

The final hope for doctors and supporters is now in the hands of the government, after evidence for a planning appeal was submitted last week.

Plans to move the facility from Farholme Lane, Stacksteads, to the ambulance station in nearby Commercial Street were rejected by Rossendale Council after residents complained about the impact of increased traffic and representations were made by the police and county council.

The refusal meant the surgery could be merged into the new health centre in Rochdale Road, Bacup, instead, but many campaigners want the primary care trust to ensure the facility remains in Stacksteads.

The trust said 12 other sites were unsuitable and plans for Commercial Street have now been referred to the Department of Environment in a bid to get the plans passed and keep the surgery in the village.

An appeal is to be considered by inspectors in Bristol, when evidence from the council and residents is due to be heard at a date yet to be set.

Stacksteads councillor Michael McShea, said the planning decision would mean the trust would have to reassess other sites.

He added: "People will be disappointed with the result of the meeting, but it isn't the end of the road for the Stacksteads surgery.

"I have said time and time again there are lots of other suitable options in Stacksteads which should be considered and I will be pushing for this to happen.

"It is more than likely that the Department of Environment will follow the council's decision because there is a strong case against the ambulance station with the police and county council both stating it isn't suitable."

Coun McShea has consulted with the trust about an empty plot of land, owned by Lancashire County Council, at the back of the Rose and Bowl, Newchurch Road and is currently awaiting their findings.