St Damien's doctors’ surgery in Melksham could be incorporated into the new Melksham Community Campus, according to new proposals from Wiltshire Council.

At yesterday's Melksham Area Board meeting chairman of the board Jonathon Seed confirmed discussions were in place to move the Spa Road surgery into the new facility at Melksham House.

He said: “We are delighted these discussions are taking place. On-site medical provision is precisely the type of community service that we want operating from the campus, it will complement the other facilities perfectly.

“The provision of health facilities within the campus would be of great benefit to the wider community and we are pleased to be actively exploring how we may achieve this.”

Councillor Seed also announced Melksham House would close to allow work to start around the end of the summer. Although the actual date has not been confirmed, the building will remain open long enough to ensure the Melksham Food Festival can still take place in September.

The closure will not affect the outdoor activities at the site, with use of Melksham Town’s Conigre ground and Melksham RFC’s facilities continuing until construction itself starts. Tennis, bowls and cricket activities at Melksham House will also remain unaffected.

The luncheon club run from Melksham House will also be protected during the construction period, and will not be closed until alternative arrangements have been secured.