HELLIFIELD people have a new doctor's surgery in the village making a medical visit easier for all.

Townhead Surgeries, based at Settle, has had a branch surgery in Hellifield since the Seventies, but improvements to the facilities were needed.

Now the old Co-op building has been converted and upgraded providing a spacious and comfortable new surgery.

The old surgery, in Brook Street, was small with no patients' toilet or disabled access, and the unmade road outside meant access was difficult.

The doctors began thinking about upgrading three or four years ago, and came upon the former Co-op building almost by accident.

Dr Colin Renwick, who is pictured, said: "There was no room to expand at Brook Street and initially we were looking at building somewhere new, but that was going to be prohibitively expensive.

"I had a tour round the village with the architect and he noticed this building and we literally knocked on the door."

Work started in March and the surgery opened earlier this month. Facilities include an improved consulting room, a nursing room where clinics will be held, better computer links, easier access, toilets and an improved waiting area.

The surgery has cost around £100,000, with £21,000 in grant aid from the health authority.

Practice manager Elizabeth Wrigley said: "Nurse clinics will start in early September and the health visitors have expressed an interest in using the surgery."

Townhead Surgeries' six partners all visit Hellifield to see patients, and a new appointments system has been introduced to make better use of doctors' time.

Craven Mind, the mental health charity, will also open a healthy living centre, office and community room next door to the new surgery, called Village Well.

Based on the successful Looking Well in Bentham and Settle Well, it aims to be a healthy living centre with community-driven activities open to all.

David and Loretta Gooch, treasurer and secretary of Craven Mind, attended Hellifield Parish Council where they appealed for people to serve on the steering group running the centre, and for ideas.

"Village Well doesn't equal Craven Mind. Craven Mind are starting it, but we want it to involve as many people in the village as possible. We want to have it very much driven from the ground and create a space where people can go," said Loretta.

Already the Citizens' Advice Bureau and Age concern North Craven have expressed an interest in holding information and advice sessions at Village Well, and the Craven, Harrogate and Rural District Primary Care Trust has given a grant to cover the rent. A photocopier has been provided by the Dales Recovery Fund and two computers with internet access will be available for use by the public.

Other ideas for Village Well include a computer club, relaxation and complementary therapies, mental health support group, arts and crafts, over 50s club, creative writing and a green gym gardening scheme. It is likely to open towards the end of September.

In the meantime, anyone who wants to get involved should contact David or Loretta on 01729 850886 or by e-mail at CravenMind@btinternet.com

Picture by Stephen Garnett shows Elizabeth Wrigley, Sarah Cross and Dr Colin Renwick at the new surgery.