DOCTORS have a remedy for the cramped conditions plaguing Hellifield patients with a new surgery planned for the village.

Currently residents can see their GP at a branch surgery held daily in Brook Street but the building is proving inadequate without even a toilet.

Now, doctors from Townhead Surgery in Settle, plan to upgrade the service by converting the premises formerly occupied by the Co-Op, close to the village institute.

Dr Colin Renwick told the Herald: "The surgery in Brook Street is completely inadequate.

"This building will offer a lot more room and our aim is to be able to offer a nurse clinic there as well.

"It would have a much more spacious and comfortable waiting room and reception area with disabled access and a toilet."

Dr Renwick added: "We have been wanting to do this for some time and hope that if planning permission is granted work could begin later this year.

"The aim is to have it open in the first half of next year."

The work will cost in the region of £50,000 and the surgery hopes it may be able to obtain grant aid from the Primary Care Group towards the project.

There has been a surgery in Hellifield for many years and prior to the formation of Townhead Surgeries in Settle, the village came under the care of the Long Preston GP.

Plans for the new surgery will be discussed by Craven District Council's planning committee in the near future.

Ward representative Coun David Crawford said: "It is very good news.

"The proposed building would be suitable, and talking to the planners it seems that on the face of it there are no grounds for not approving it.

"It would seem that the new building is in a great location - close to the car park and, subject to planning consent, I think it is wonderful news for the village."