Ashby councillors have been told that there is unlikely to be a second health centre built at the new Money Hill development - as it would be too expensive.

Jennie Caukwell, Business Partner from the Castle Medical Group, spoke to Ashby de la Zouch Town Council at last month's planning committee meeting.

She presented a report on the centre's expansion plans, which had been ongoing for some years and added that NHS premises have to go through a stringent process, which has been 'challenging'. 

Ms Caukwell also added the practice has extensive plans which it has been discussing and has agreed with the landlord. There is also a piece of land close to Springfields which has been earmarked for additional car parking, with as many as between 40 to 45 spaces. 

But, as this is a rented building, she said the practice is unable to progress with expansion plans until the rent review on the main building has been completed.

The practice also has to liaise with the ICB (Integrated Care Board), who negotiate rents nationally. 

Cllr Chris Smith commented that once the Money Hill development is completed, he could not see how the site would be big enough for the expanded population. 

But Cllr Murrae Blair-Park said that the location concerned him as it was so far out of town and he was not hearing any consideration for a site at Money Hill. 

Ms Caukwell explained that a second site would be very expensive and a cost drain on the NHS, explaining that the surgery had spoken to the ICB in the past, but that it was keen to expand the existing site rather than create a second, separate site. 

Cllr Smith suggested that, as the council has a steering group, someone from the ICB could attend one of its meetings.

Cllr Damilola Ojuri asked if there was a possibility of surgeries being open on Saturdays. Ms Caukwell explained that the surgery does sometimes open on a Saturday. Councillor Ojuri suggested advertising this on the screens at the surgery. Ms Caukwell explained that this should already be happening.