A petition has been launched by a Liberal Democrat MP calling for a new GP surgery in Woodstock as locals complain the current facility is "not fit for purpose".

Calum Miller, MP for Bicester and Woodstock, set up the petition on Friday, November 22, which has been signed by more than 200 people.

It calls on the local NHS integrated care board (ICB) to work urgently with other partners to deliver a new surgery for Woodstock.

It also asks the ICB and the government to fund the new surgery, which is needed due to the expanding population and the poor condition, accessibility and space at the current surgery.

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In a statement, Mr Miller said: "Woodstock urgently needs a new surgery. 

“Doctors are warning us that they may need to close their list to new patients soon. They want to expand but cannot.

“The current facilities are not fit for purpose with a nurse working from a former storage cupboard.

"Despite continued efforts by local and town councillors, successive governments have failed to invest in local healthcare, bringing Woodstock Surgery to the brink.

“The local health board (the ICB) turned down proposals for a surgery at Hensington Road.

“We urgently need funding for a new, modern facility to meet the needs of our town before it expands further.

"I will continue to press the ICB and relevant ministers for the adequate resources, so we can get people who are registered in Woodstock the new surgery they need."

(Image: Roger Harris)

When approached for comment, a spokesperson for Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire West Integrated Care Board (ICB) said: “Woodstock Surgery has had longstanding issues with its premises and a lot of work has been done over the years to identify a solution.

“While the practice and its partners have identified new sites in the past, none have been suitable to deliver the level of patient care needed in the long term.

“The ICB would be pleased to consider any proposals from the practice for new GP premises in Woodstock, but these must be affordable.

“We will continue to work with the practice and key local stakeholders to find a sustainable and value for money solution to meet the healthcare needs of the Woodstock community."

Residents have been calling for a new GP surgery for over a decade, due to issues with accessibility, overcrowding and structural issues to the building.

Woodstock Town Council held a meeting on Thursday, November 21, to discuss creating a new GP surgery, which was attended by Mr Miller, leader of West Oxfordshire District Council Andy Graham, and representatives from Blenheim, who own the land where the GP surgery is located.