PLANS have been revealed to turn a GP surgery due to close this summer back into housing.

It comes as the Swan Lane Practice, in Wickford, is set to close permanently in August following a row over its lease.

Plans to change it back to housing come 40 years after it first opened as a surgery.

A final decision on the plans will be made by August.

The surgery temporarily closed in March due to staffing issues but will close for good later this year.

The 5,620 patients on its books will be moved to the Applewood Surgery, in Market Avenue, which is also owned by the Swanwood Partnership.

It comes as concerns have been raised about the healthcare provision in the town.

Just a week after the announcement of the Swan Lane surgery closure, the Robert Frew Medical Partners branch, in Franklins Way, Wickford, also announced it was closing due to staffing and lease problems.

When it was inspected in early March, the branch was ordered to improve by the Care Quality Commission.

Bosses insist Wickford’s facilities are up to scratch and will be set to benefit from work on a state-of-the-art surgery in Market Road.

It is set to replace the one in London Road, will include eight examination rooms and three treatment rooms, interview and training rooms.