Could Eastleigh Surgery building become part of new campus?

WITH discussions for a campus development for Westbury in their infancy, a local councillor is suggesting that current Eastleigh Surgery could be a suitable site.
Eastleigh Surgery is up for sale in anticipation of the surgery’s move to the White Horse Health Centre in Mane Way, Leigh Park. Meanwhile, Wiltshire Council is proposing a campus development for the town, which would include some of the town’s council-run facilities which could include the town’s swimming pool, library, and youth centre. A recent survey of Westbury North electoral division residents indicated that 91% of respondents did not want a campus outside the town centre. In response, David Jenkins, a Westbury town councillor and Wiltshire councillor, is suggesting that the surgery site should be seriously considered. Cllr Jenkins said, “A campus is by definition a building or buildings in a community area where people can access local services (statutory, voluntary or otherwise) via a shared reception point which might include community IT facilities. “The central location of this building makes it a realistic contender. Occupying 0.4 acres of space this building is large enough for the job and the town centre location more than meets the objectives of the residents who were surveyed, as well as the objectives of the majority of other townsfolk who talk to me regularly about the town. “In addition to its central location, other benefits of the surgery building include: • There is a bus stop right outside the gate in both directions. • An existing (large reception) and waiting area. • A sufficient number of other rooms that can be adapted / used for other requirements. • It has facilities for the disabled. • It is a convenient location and topography for access for the elderly and the infirm. • Many people can access the building by foot. “The surgery building has been very much a part of the local community for many years and an important piece of the town’s heritage. I would like to see it continue to be used by the local people for the benefit of the local people, and by adopting it as part of the campus it will continue to do so.” For more information please contact cllr David Jenkins by email at davidjenkins53@hotmail. com, or call him on 01373 823 605.