ONE of the busiest GP surgeries in Widnes may have finally found a new home – after a 20-year search.

Appleton Surgery is hoping to build a replacement practice in Upton Rocks.

Halton MP Derek Twigg has welcomed the move.

He said: "I have always supported the bid to find a new site with modernised facilities.

"It is currently in an old terrace of houses, totally inadequate for this day and age, with insufficient disabled access.

"I think this be a very important move."

Previous plans to improve facilities, including one to construct a new building the back of the existing accommodation, fell through.

Doctors are now working with health chiefs and a property developer to draw up plans for a new surgery.

The practice is currently housed in old Victorian buildings in Appleton Village.

In a statement, the GP partners said: “We have been trying to secure new premises for the practice for 20 years and are currently working with NHS England for a replacement practice which will provide improved facilities and further enhance the healthcare service currently provided to our patients.”

Thousands of patients from all over the town are registered with the practice.

The doctors include Dr Christopher Schofield, Dr Miles Brindle, Dr Ursula Burke, Dr Maura Harding, Dr Catherine McCauley and Dr Maha Mustafa.

A spokesperson for NHS England in Merseyside said: "Planning is currently underway with the partners at Appleton Village surgery towards the development of a replacement practice to be located on an identified site in the Upton Rocks area of Widnes.

"There are a number of issues with the current site which have prompted the decision to look for a new site, including problems with access for disabled patients and a lack of parking facilities.

"NHS England has given strategic approval for the application to proceed, which has been submitted by the practice GPs in partnership with a property developer.

"At present there is no confirmed opening date for the new premises. However patients will be contacted as soon as these details are known. 

"A final list of services to be delivered from the new site is currently being finalised.

"However we can confirm that all existing services delivered by the Appleton Village surgery for NHS England will transfer to the new site."

No plans have been submitted yet to Halton Council.