THE Milverton Surgery, which has 2,000 registered patients, is likely to close early next year.

Villagers face having to sign up with GPs three miles away following a recommendation to close their surgery.

Milverton Parish Council is working with health chiefs to ensure some services remain in the village but doctors’ appointments are likely to be in Wiveliscombe’s Lister House Practice from February.

Somerset Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, which runs both surgeries, backed shutting the Milverton premises – owned by former practice GPs who

are keen to sell – at a recent meeting.

NHS England will make the final decision but parish council chairman Dr Julie Richardson says it is likely to be rubber-stamped.

The Milverton surgery is very much in the heart of the village.