THE potential closure of a Wrexham health centre has featured on a BBC current affairs programme.

In the episode of Panorama - titled GP's: Why Can't I Get an Appointment - which was aired on BBC One on Wednesday, the issue and concerns surrounding the future of Gresford Health Centre was discussed.

Television crews had been in attendance at a packed public meeting held at Llay Miner's Welfare Institute in March, when representatives of Alyn Family Doctors put forward plans to close the centre. Previous plans submitted by the group were rejected by Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board towards the end of last year.

The plans presented to villagers back in March involve merging the Gresford centre's resources into the two remaining health centres in Llay and Rossett.

Llay Community Cllr Rob Walsh said: "I have a huge amount of sympathy for Alyn Family Doctors, as the GPs are the ultimate professionals and they believe this is the best way forward for everyone.

"However, Llay patients are concerned that if Gresford ceases to hold GP appointments it will create greater competition at the Llay surgery, something that worries many people.

"The key issue though is accessibility for Gresford patients. I am not councillor for Gresford, but I would be worried if there were patients in Gresford who were no longer able to attend GP appointments because they cannot physically get to Llay or Rossett.

"I appreciate there is a good bus service between Gresford and Rossett, but the latter surgery is very small and would struggle to cope if this became the preferred surgery of Gresford patients."

In a statement last autumn Wrexham Assembly Member Lesley Griffiths said: "Ian Lucas MP and I have welcomed a decision which should ensure a GP surgery remains in Gresford.

"Alyn Family Doctors, who run the practice, announced in April that they planned to transfer services based in Gresford to their other surgeries in Llay and Rossett.

"However, I received a letter from Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board’s chief executive Gary Doherty confirming they have rejected the proposal.

"From the beginning, both Ian Lucas MP and I made it clear Gresford needed its own surgery.

"The letter I have received does indicate Alyn Family Doctors intend to appeal the decision.

"Moving forward, it is important local residents from Gresford and across Wrexham receive the best possible services and I will continue to work with relevant partners to help ensure this happens."

The Leader has contacted Alyn Family Doctors for an update on the matter.