HEALTH Secretary Jeremy Hunt is to be urged to ensure that Launceston Medical Centre gets a speedy final approval for its expansion plans.

North Cornwall Conservative MP Scott Mann on Saturday at the monthly market in the town square saw outline drawings of the expansion at the information table run by the Medical Centre Patient Participation Group.

Mr Mann told patient group volunteers: "When I was canvassing I heard time and time again on the doorstep about the urgent need for these improvements.

"I know how important it is to the town and I will take it up at my weekly meeting with the Health Secretary and see if we can get some answers."

Chairman of the patient group Maureen Amy had told Mr Mann: "Plans for expansion were first put to the NHS nearly two years ago. Their requirements kept changing and the plans were adapted accordingly.

"Earlier this year the medical centre submitted the plans again in response to a new NHS initiative offering investment in GP premises.

"That has been approved in principle but some additional information was requested. The medical centre has provided that information but we still have no idea when we may expect final approval."

For the full report, and a round-up of the area news and sport, see this week's edition of the Post.