A PLAN to close two GP surgeries in the Ribble Valley has been given the go-ahead, despite strong opposition from residents.

The proposal to shut down the Ribchester and Chipping branch surgeries has been approved by East Lancashire Health Authority.

Patients will now have to travel to the Berry Lane Health Centre in Longridge.

The closure of the surgeries is dependent on "suitable transport" being provided to ferry patients to Longridge and the GPs are considering setting up a minibus service.

The move was sparked after the doctors complained that only a few surgeries a week were held in Ribchester and Chipping and few patients were attending.

But the plan was opposed by both Ribchester and Chipping parish councils, which wanted to retain the village surgeries.

Blackburn, Hyndburn and Ribble Valley Community Health Council (CHC) also expressed concern and is now seeking clarification about the reasons behind the health authority's decision to approve the scheme.

Nigel Robinson, CHC chief officer, said: "Considerable disquiet was expressed by local residents and both parish councils when the proposal was first made.

"A survey conducted by the CHC indicated support for their retention, despite the inadequacies of the premises.

"The protests have continued since the decision of the health authority was made public."

The CHC will meet shortly to discuss the issue.

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