Problem of surgery access is solved

Feb 4 2010 by Ian Hughes, North Wales Weekly News

RESIDENTS’ fears have been allayed after a bus service to the new Abergele medical centre has been negotiated.

There had been fears that access to the long awaited facility outside the town would be difficult. After meetings between Arriva officials and Conwy County Council there is now a bus stop at the Gwrych Medical Centre.

There were fears the access issues that plagued the old centre on Kinmel Avenue would rear their head on the new site.

Assembly Member Darren Millar is happy that this has not happened and praised authorities for their speed in dealing with the matter: “I am grateful to the bus operators for understanding the importance of introducing a new stop in their timetable at such short notice.”

There have been further improvements to access on Llanddulas Road. The speed limit between the town and the business park has been reduced to 40mph. Work is also underway to maximise the width of the pavement in this area. Dropped kerbs enable easier access for prams, mobility scooters and wheelchairs.

Mr Millar claimed the measures “while not perfect, will improve pedestrian access to the centre”.

He also hopes a pharmacy will soon accompany the surgery.

The Gwrych Medical Centre opened to the public last week bringing a ten-year fight for new facilities to an end.

The first patients were treated on January 26. A ceremony to mark its official opening will be held on February 25.