An Emergency General Meeting has been called for Monday, 27th March at Radstock’s Trinity Methodist Church starting at 7 p.m., following calls to protect the green space which is proposed to be used for a new Doctor’s Surgery and Community Centre.

Radstock Town Council heard from Honorary Alderman and former B&NES Councillor, Terry Reakes on Monday evening as he appealed to Councillors to investigate applying for a Town Green on the land proposed in Waterloo Road. However, the item had not been included on the agenda, and the following day, after expressing his disappointment that it could not be debated on the night, the extra meeting was scheduled.

The plans, which could see Hope House Doctors’ Surgery with a brand new, purpose-built building which would also house the Children’s Centre, Library and community space in association with Big Local, are due to be submitted to B&NES’ planners at the end of this month. Hope House say the building must be in place by 2019 to secure funding, allowing the project to go ahead.

Addressing the meeting, Mr Reakes said: “I have not come here to oppose the concept of a new surgery in Radstock; albeit I question the need for a new library and children’s centre, as these services are already in place. I believe the proposed surgery should go elsewhere in Radstock and I passionately believe this green space is not the right place for any structure of this magnitude.

“Amongst other things, it would bring parking problems which would be a nightmare on Waterloo Road. The old St Nicholas School site would be my first choice, rather than destroy this valued green.

“What will happen to Hope House, The Old Police Station, the Pharmacy and Library, which could be left vacant to add to the already untaken buildings in the town – no-one seems to know, or is not saying. I cannot help but think that by pulling down the existing library and maybe the old police station to redevelop the site, would help B&NES to meet their target of library cuts of £800,000 a year.

“Whatever happens, unless there is a stand made against this present application, it will be a case of what is best for B&NES, rather than what is right for Radstock.”

A member of Radstock Action Group also added: “We have to stop being told what to do by B&NES. Radstock needs its green space – young and old alike use the green. If Radstock Town Council don’t fight for it, they will be letting local people down.”

Mr Reakes urged the Town Council to investigate the Commons Act, to register land as green if it has been used by local people for lawful sports and pastimes. He added: “I would urge Councillors to think of what could be done with this last public open space – there would be tremendous scope for not only maintaining it, but enhancing its environmental impact.

“To protect this land is a complex issue and the council should move without delay – time is of the essence.”

A spokesperson for Hope House Surgery told The Journal: “Our current building would require a large amount of investment to bring it up to modern standards, and we would need to stop accepting new patients, as we would not have enough room for additional doctors.

“Doing nothing was not an option. Only a few practices in our region have been awarded funding from NHS England to improve their facilities. The money set aside for Radstock will be given to another area if we don’t take this opportunity.

“We felt that the best way to secure the future of all of the services in Radstock would be for us to join together.

“We understand that some people are concerned about the loss of green space. However, after careful consideration, we felt that it was important that the new centre was more conveniently located. Radstock and the surrounding area benefits from several areas of green space, with the play park just a four minute walk away from the proposed site and direct access to the Greenway.”