A GROUP set up to give residents a voice on health issues is refusing to back calls for a second doctors' surgery in Westbury.

The West Wiltshire Patient and Public Involvement Forum says there is no need for another practice.

Westbury is the only west Wiltshire town with just one doctors' surgery. Efforts to change this are gathering momentum following a protest march this month.

But PPI Forum chairman and Westbury resident Peter Biggs described the campaign as a case of "want rather than need".

He said: "I know the public want another surgery, but if you apply the NHS criteria there's no need.

"With the building of Leigh Park there was an increase in population, but the number of doctors at Eastleigh Surgery is perfectly able to cope.

"This is a logical view based on the information available. The primary care trust has severe financial difficulties and it won't do anything at all until it has completed its strategic review."

The PCT has said that Eastleigh Surgery has a 1,675:1 patient-doctor ratio, close to recommended levels.

Although the practice only has eight doctors, which would create a ratio of over 2,000:1, its other medical professionals are included in the statistics.

This week Dr Biggs' views were criticised by campaigners.

Westbury town and district councillor Russell Hawker said: "Dr Biggs' assertions were made without consulting other members of the Forum.

"Eastleigh Surgery admits it needs more premises to take on more staff and is discussing this with the PCT, which already accepts that Westbury will need two more doctors by 2010. If this is not a patient and public issue, what is?"

Cllr Hawker and Dr Andrew Murrison MP were due to discuss the issue in Westbury today with new PCT chief executive Carol Clarke.