RESIDENTS have launched a petition to reopen an "outpost" medical surgery, three years after it was temporarily closed.

Bishopdown Surgery, in St Clements Way, was closed by Salisbury Medical Practice at the start of the Covid pandemic in 2020.

The practice says this was due to social distancing and "ensuring continuity of dental and pharmacy services".

Since then, patients have had to travel to the main surgery on Wilton Road for appointments.

Reopening the Bishopdown site has become "drawn out due to the complexities of interactions with the landlord", according to Salisbury Medical Practice.

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Parish councillor Nick Baker, for Laverstock & Milford, and resident Kevin Flynn are calling on the practice to re-open Bishopdown Surgery.

Cllr Baker said: "We're very much aware of the pressures on the health service but we are aware of plans to reopen the surgery.

"This has taken a very long time and there has been a lack of communication."

During talks with the practice earlier this year, Cllr Baker claims he was told the surgery would re-open mid-April.

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The pair have gathered 40 signatures on a petition that they launched on Saturday, June 3, to put pressure on Salisbury Medical Practice.

Mr Flynn added: "I know how important this surgery is to the local community, especially parents of young children and older residents who may be dependent on public transport."

To view the petition click here.

A spokesperson for Salisbury Medical Practice said: "The national workforce crisis has had a significant impact on clinicians and supporting staff in general practice and we have had to ensure resources are managed in the best interest of patient care. 

"It was therefore decided as part of the covid recovery plan to renovate existing GP space in order to improve patients services at Bishopdown. 

"Unfortunately this process has become drawn out due to the complexities of interactions with the Landlord."