New Arundel Surgery

GPs have long been searching for a new base after outgrowing their existing practice building in Torton Hill Road, but finding a suitable site in the historic town proved to be no easy matter.

But thanks to co-operation between the health service, Arun District Council and the Norfolk Estate, land has been made available on the edge of the Canada Road open space.

And to compensate for the loss of the open space, Arun has reached an agreement to lease Norfolk Estate land next to Herrington Field, as a replacement recreation site, which is actually twice the size of that needed for the surgery.

Baroness O'Cathain, chairman of the Arundel Surgery Patient Support Group, said: "During the past four years we have had our hopes raised and dashed, but the day has now arrived when we can truly look forward to a brilliant new surgery for Arundel and its outlying districts.

"Although it has been a long haul, it could never have been accomplished without the support of Arun, the Norfolk Estate and the local community, represented by the patient support group. It was local co-operation at its best.

"The next task is to undertake fund raising to ensure we can have the best fitted-out surgery in the county every single member of the surgery operation deserves our support in this. After all, our lives are in their hands!"

Practice manager Julie Palmer said: "Everyone at the practice is excited and looking forward to moving into a first class medical centre early next year.

"We will be able to provide an enhanced service for the community in and around Arundel."