A PUBLIC meeting is being held to challenge the closure of the Riversdale GP surgery in Wylam.

The proposed closure of the surgery, on Woodcroft Road, will mean patients from Wylam and surrounding villages would be expected to attend the Oaklands Health Centre in Prudhoe.

Campaigners say poor bus services to Prudhoe will make GP appointments for patients relying on public transport very inconvenient.

The meeting is being organised by Steve Grinter, chairman of the Bywell Labour Party.

Mr Grinter said: “The NHS is under sustained pressure following years of government austerity so finding resources from NHS England to maintain local GP services will require a concerted campaign.”

The meeting will be held at 7.30pm on Wednesday at St Oswin’s Church Hall in the village.