A DOCTOR'S surgery could be isolated from many of its patients because of the redevelopment of a shopping centre.

Dr Adrian O'Hare, who work at Elms Medical Centre in Whitefield, claimed one of its main access routes along George Street could be cut off by the new building.

And he said the open parking area behind the old shopping precinct would also be swallowed up, which could leave many elderly patients with nowhere to park, and a longer walk to the surgery.

Dr O'Hare told a meeting of the Whitefield and Unsworth Area Board on Monday (June 24) that the practice was not consulted over the redevelopment plans to build a shopping and fitness centre.

"I want to express my anxieties This will definitely turn us into a cul-de-sac and there could also be an issue about ambulances being able to get to the surgery," he said.

"We have 6,400 patients who use the site, 20 per cent of whom are elderly. Access is critical. A public health centre should not be cut off by a new development."

If access from George Street was blocked, Dr O'Hare said the only route to the centre in Green Lane from Bury New Road would be via Elm Street and Moreton Avenue.

He continued: "Car parking is the second main issue as the area that would be left for patients may be totally inadequate. I think we should have priority so that our patients can easily get to our centre."

Dr O'Hare had subsequently received a letter from Bury Council apologising for not being consulted during the planning stage, due to a human error

Board chairman, Councillor Alan Matthews, said there was little that could be done because planning permission had been granted and advised Dr O'Hare to contact the developers over his dilemma.

But Brian Stott, chairman of Elms Tenants' and Residents' Association, said: "It is paramount that people should have access to the surgery and I think it is the area board's duty to take action."

The new buildings have been under construction for several weeks by precinct owners North Western Properties, based in the Isle of Man.

Company director Mr Peter Willers said it would be willing to speak to the medical centre.

He said: "We are always willing to listen to requests and accommodate local people as best we can."