Councillors and residents agreed to “stand together” following a decision by the NHS to close a GP surgery in Newbury Park and relocate to King George Hospital, after little over a weeks notice was given to patients.

A deputation was made to the council at their meeting held at Redbridge Town Hall, High Road, Ilford, yesterday (Thursday) to call for the council to support a bid by residents to relocate the surgery closer to its original location.

Spearpoint GP Surgery, in Aldborough Road North, was closed on June 26 by NHS England after opening in 1935, and reopened as part of King George Hospital, Barley Lane, Goodmayes.

Speaking on behalf of patients, Ron Jeffries, of Spearpoint Gardens, Aldborough Hatch, said: “We want councillors to censure NHS England for the arrogance and incompetence of the faceless bureaucrats based far away from Ilford in Westminster.

“Has anyone from NHS England tried to travel from Aldborough Hatch on the 396 between 8am and 10am on a weekday? We urge the council to call for an investigation into alternative premises to enable to elderly, disabled patients, and families with young children to receive care within a reasonable distance of their homes. I suggest Abury House or the Community Care Advice Centre.”

Cllr Ruth Clark added: “It is outrageous to expect residents to go the King George. Aldborough is the biggest ward in the borough and that particular area currently has no surgery.

“We need to make this move a temporary one and we will continue to fight for a new surgery.”

The council resolved to write to the NHS expressing their concerns and asking for details of the plans including an impact assessment.

Cllr Jas Athwal said: “We would like to stand together on this and use all the power we have to call into question the decision that was made.”

A meeting has been organised to discuss the relocation by the chairman of the health scrutiny committee, Cllr Joyce Ryan, and representatives from NHS England. This will be held on September 23 at 7.15pm.