It is getting on for seven years since Trowbridge Hospital closed. When this happened the local health authorities promised a state-of-the-art Primary Care Centre as a replacement. As the prospect of this gradually retreated, Trowbridge people were then promised a modern joint surgery, combining Adcroft and Bradford Road. Now it seems that this too was a mirage.

The latest promise is for medical facilities to be included in the promised – yes, there are always promises – Trowbridge Campus. Just when this will be built, no one knows; certainly not before 2018. The list of promises grows apace – so does the local population. Meanwhile the Halve Clinic is sold and Charterhouse is finally shut for good. Many of the remaining health facilities can hardly be said to be fit for purpose. No wonder Trowbridge people are increasingly cynical on this all-important matter.

During all this time the executive structure of health services locally has undergone a number of changes. The West Wiltshire Primary Care Trust gave way to the Wiltshire Primary Care Trust. This has now been replaced by the Wiltshire Clinical Commissioning Group, where local GPs are nominally in charge. The chairman is Dr Steve Rowlands, ex-GP at Bradford Road Surgery. A further innovation is the creation of the Wiltshire Health and Wellbeing Board. This is headed up by Jane Scott, Leader of Wiltshire Council, and the aforementioned Dr Rowlands.

Throughout all these administrative shifts, we have seen no significant new provision in Trowbridge health facilities. I know that I speak for the local community when I plead for some leadership to ensure that Trowbridge receives the facilities it so urgently needs and deserves.

Please no more promises. We want action.

Jeff Osborn, Independent Wiltshire Councillor, Chepston Place, Trowbridge.