Massive blow for £3m community project

A LONG-AWAITED project aiming to create a community hub in Dedworth has received a major blow.

This week it emerged that Dedworth Medical Centre, which was earmarked to run a practice in the Smith's Lane community project in 2004, is considering a move to another location.

The Smith's Lane project situated on the Dedworth Middle and First Schools' site already encompasses the Extend Centre with future plans for a library, police point and doctors' surgery.

However, the centre in Dedworth Road has submitted an application to the Royal Borough for permission to convert an industrial unit in Vale Road into a practice.

Dr Jonathan Holliday from the surgery, said: "We've watched the project deteriorate over the years and I think we're one of the last partners the borough has. We've been involved for three-and-a-half years and over this time I've watched the plot promised to us become smaller and smaller. The practice we have is inadequate, it's not fit for the 21st century and we need to do what's best for our patients."

"We haven't completely closed the door on it but I'm not convinced the borough is motivated enough to take it forward."

The surgery is the second partner to pull out of the project with the Dedworth Green Baptist Church abandoning it in previous years.

Ward Cllr John Fido, said: "It's very sad news as the surgery was key to the project. It's supposed to be a one-stop shop for people in Dedworth but that won't happen without the surgery.

"This is the biggest possible blow to the project but no one's really to blame as there have been various hiccups."

Cllr Simon Dudley, lead member for adult and community services, said: "The council is committed to progressing with this scheme to provide a community facility for the benefit of the residents of Dedworth.

"To this end we will continue to work closely with the GPs, PCT and other partners to explore all alternatives for maintaining health cover in the Dedworth area at the same time as moving forward the building for the community library and other services."