Ref. 12405/1A NEW surgery serving patients in the West Lavington area has opened. The Courtyard Surgery, which has 2,500 patients, is on the site of the former Fussell Wadman garage in High Street, West Lavington.

It has replaced the Littleton Panell Surgery, which was based in a converted cottage. Dr Helen Osborne, senior partner at the new surgery, said: "We had outgrown Littleton Panell surgery. We had two clinical rooms there but at the new surgery there are six clinical rooms.

"We were strapped for space at Littleton Panell surgery and the staff were desk hopping. Patients who have been into the new surgery have commented that it has a lovely feel. We aim to make it welcoming where people can feel relaxed and confident that they will get the care they want."

Dr James Flood, who ran Littleton Panell surgery with his wife Sue for 26 years, will be retiring at the end of this month.

A new doctor, Michael Peters, who is a GP working in Swindon, will become a partner at the surgery in May.

As well as the GPs, the surgery also has a district nurse, health visitor midwives and podiatrist.