New medical centre in Ilminster

Ground has been broken at the site of a new medical centre in Ilminster, Somerset, after more than 10 years of negotiations and planning. The new facility will house the town's North Street Surgery and Summervale Medical Centre in a modern building with additional rooms for visiting practitioners. Dr David Patuck, of Summervale Medical Centre, said: "Let's look forward to moving in here in about a year's time." Dr Anthony Austin, of North Street Surgery, added: "It has been a long time coming, but we're going to have much more space and better facilities, including a proper carpark for all our patients." Kate Packham, practice manager at North Street Surgery, concluded: "I'd like to say how thrilled we are. It's been a long struggle, but we have been optimistic all along. I would like to thank NHS Somerset, the town council and patient groups for all their support."