THERE has been ‘movement’ in a positive direction on the long-awaited expansion of Launceston’s Medical Centre.

At the recent Community Network Panel in the town hall on December 15, the meeting heard that since it was announced the centre had secured planning permission and NHS funds in principle to expand, there is now ‘kind of a lull’ — according to the meeting’s chairman Neil Burden, Cornwall Councillor for Stoke Climsland.

He added: “There was movement in a positive direction but at the moment it’s gone a little bit quiet.”

Another barrier to the medical centre’s expansion has been the sale of the required land by NHS Property Services. Liberal Democrat Cornwall Councillor for Launceston South Jade Farrington said at the meeting: “The land is at the final stages of being sorted.”

Peter Harper, Launceston Medical Centre’s business manager, told the Post that agreement has been reached in principle regarding the terms of sale for the land owned by NHS Property Services.

He said: “There are a few contentious clauses in the terms still to be finalised, but we are hopeful these can be sorted quickly so as to not cause any further delay to the project.

“Although progress has been frustratingly slow over the past five years, we now feel that we are creeping ever closer to the final agreements needed on all elements. We appreciate all of the support that we have received from our Patients’ Participation Group, local councillors and patients during this time — we will keep you informed of further progress.”