The new GP led surgery - which will open between 8am and 8pm seven days a week, including bank holidays - was approved by the board of NHS Cambridgeshire (formerly the Primary Care Trust) at a meeting last night (Wednesday, September 24).

At one stage the future of health centre looked uncertain after more than 7,000 patients in Huntingdonshire signed a petition against the development of so-called polyclinics - fearing that the new surgery would put smaller practices at risk.

But after a consultation period during the summer, the board agreed to approve the plans, with the possibility of a temporary health centre opening as soon as April.

Jessica Bawden, Director of Communications for NHS Cambridgeshire, said: "It will be a really great opportunity for the people of St Neots, who will be able to just walk in and relieve health care."

>> For the full story, see next week's (October 2) Town Crier.