RESIDENTS in Edenfield today received assurances from Rossendale MP Janet Anderson that the area would not lose its GP surgery.

The welcome news dispelled fears that sick people would have to travel to neighbouring towns to see a doctor.

Earlier this week, Mrs Anderson and Paul Bradburn, Chairman of the Edenfield Residents Association, met with Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale Care Trust's Chief Executive David Peat and Dr John Haworth, Director of Health Standards, to discuss the situation.

It is understood that Dr Bunting and Partners, of Market Street, Edenfield, want to relocate into St James Medical Centre in Rawtenstall.

Mrs Anderson said: "Mr Peat gave us an assurance that the Trust was firmly of the view that a GP service needed to be continued in Edenfield.

"He said if and when an application to discontinue the present branch surgery at Edenfield was received from Dr Bunting and his partners, then the Trust would consult with residents to determine the type of service they would like.

"I visited the existing branch surgery myself and am in no doubt that the premises are totally unsuitable for a modern GP service.

" Moreover it is difficult to see how they can be improved or adapted to meet the requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act."

Mrs Anderson was confident a solution could be found in relation to what type of service it would be, who would provide it and where in Edenfield it would be located.

She added: "The Trust have undertaken to keep in close touch with the residents on this issue.

"I am confident a satisfactory conclusion will be reached to this situation."