Work has started on the long-awaited expansion to Launceston Medical Centre. The area to the site has been secured and heavy equipment has started earth-moving.

Andrew Yardley, the centre’s practice manager, told the Patient Participation Group (PPG)’s September meeting: “I’m pleased to say that building work has finally commenced. The contractors, Pollards, are currently doing the ground work.

“The build is being undertaken in phases and this first stage will consist of construction of the shell of the new building. Phase two will see the connection of the existing and new buildings.

“In phases three and four we will see the refurbishment of part of the existing building (when some of the rooms in the new building will be available) and then, finally, refurbishment of the remaining areas.”

It is estimated that the build completion date (including refurbishment) will be October 2020.

Mr Yardley continued: “The contractors are making every effort to keep any disruption to patients and neighbouring properties to a minimum. The contractors are sending a letter to all neighbouring properties explaining what is happening and promising regular updates on progress.”

PPG chair, Joan Heaton, said: “We’re delighted and relieved to see work in progress at the site at last. It has been a long wait and during the period we waited for the go-ahead, staff at the medical centre have done an excellent job working in cramped and inadequate conditions.”