THE future of a village surgery will be in the hands of the government after evidence for a planning appeal is submitted next 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.

The refusal meant the surgery could be merged into the new health centre in Rochdale Road, Bacup, instead.

The primary care 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 .

Stacksteads councillor Michael McShea, said he was also considering sending evidence. He said: "It looks like the Department of Environment will follow the council's decision because there is a strong case against the ambulance station.

"The trust have had 12 other options to look at, all of which they have said are not suitable.

"The empty plot of land, owned by Lancashire County Council, at the back of the Rose and Bowl, Newchurch Road, would be ideal and I am still waiting to hear from the trust on their findings.

"The plot of land next to it is privately owned and already has outline planning permission. I know the owners and they would be willing to sell it if it was needed. I hope the trust will favour this site."

Coun McShea said he planned to fight to keep the surgery in the village. "This is still high on my agenda. I am still working on the issue to hopefully find a suitable solution to this problem.

"People can be assured that it won't be forgotten and I and Coun Dale Connearn are doing our best to keep the facility in Stacksteads."