Residents are to get a say on provision of medical services in Denholme following a surprise U-turn by health bosses.

At a neighbourhood forum meeting on Tuesday, residents were shocked to hear that they would not be consulted over the closure of a GPs' surgery.

Sessions provided by GPs from the Wilsden and Cullingworth Practice in the town were to be withdrawn after February 1 because of problems recruiting a doctor who is prepared to work on three different sites.

Gideon Seymour, director of the primary care and community services with Bradford South and West PCT, conceded at the meeting that there should have been a public consultation, although he said the outcome would have been the same.

But within 24 hours the PCT reversed its decision following the level of public concern at the meeting and announced that it will now consult residents over the proposals.

A spokesman for the PCT said: "It is clear from the meeting that a number of patients registered with the Wilsden practice are very concerned about this proposal and that we need to take more time to gauge public opinion."

Anne Jay, Denholme Town Mayor, said she was pleased that a consultation was taking place but was unsure if there was a solution to the problem.

"I understand how people feel and how upset they are. Obviously it's a very emotive subject," she said.

"You can't say that the PCT or the surgery haven't made an effort because they have tried to resolve it for some time but they can't come up with an answer because they can't get the staff."