An MP has pledged to lobby Bradford Council to persuade it to sell land it owns to enable the expansion of an overcrowded doctors’ surgery.

Bradford East MP David Ward said he was supportive of the scheme after visiting Farrow Medical Centre in Otley Road this week to see for himself the need for a new ‘super surgery’.

The medical practice has been in negotiations with the Council for four years over the sale of waste land at Northampton Street, which would allow the surgery to triple in size.

However, plans have had to be put on hold after a rival bid for the land was made to the Council.

The practice put in a counter bid and was promised by the Council a final decision would be made by the end of the financial year, however, they are still waiting.

Practice manager Fiona Reid said: “It is literally excuse after excuse. Frustration levels are running very high.”

Mr Ward’s visit came after he received a letter from NHS Bradford and Airedale medical director Dr Andy McElligott explaining how, if the practice could not secure the land, they would have to look elsewhere, causing upset and inconvenience to patients.

After Tuesday’s visit Mr Ward said he was supportive of the practice’s plans for expansion which would allow it to reopen its patient list and offer services such as diabetes clinics, minor surgery and a pharmacy.

“With the funding available through the PCT and a clear need for the expansion of this practice, it is a good example of how the Council, primary care trust and the practice can work together to provide a much need community facility,” said Mr Ward.

  • Read the full story in Wednesday's T&A