Village surgery site up for debate

Villagers at Buxted are urged to attend a meeting tonight (May 20) to discuss the location of a new GP surgery in the village.

The management committee of the Basil Ionides Memorial Centre is recommending a portion of land held in trust be leased at an annual commercial rent for the provision of a surgery and healthcare centre.

In a statement the trustees said they will abide by the decision carried by the majority of those present at the meeting. The meeting will be held at Buxted CEP Primary School, Hurstwood Road, Buxted, (8pm). Only the residents of the civic parish of Buxted (Buxted, Five Ash Down and High Hurstwood) aged 18 years and over are entitled to vote at the meeting.

The trustees outlined the background to the meeting: “In 1950 the open land previously part of Lower Totease Farm was formally donated by the Ionides family (owners of Buxted Park) under trust to the community of Buxted for social and recreational purposes.

This 1.55 hectares or 3.5 acres is bounded by Framfield Road to the east, the High Street to the north, the recreation ground to the south and the railway line to the west.

“The site contains three buildings, The Rifle Club, The Scout Hut and The Old Boys’ Club (held under lease from the trust). It is proposed that the Old Boys’ Club be demolished and that a purpose-built surgery is constructed on this site.

Other buildings will remain. The playground and basketball area will be relocated within the site. “April Cottage is no longer fit for purpose and alternative accommodation must be found for the Buxted surgery by 2011, when the present senior partner retires. Site plans can be viewed at the meeting.

(Added to site Wednesday, May 20th, 2009)