Call for GPs at former school
A COUNCIL has been urged to delay plans to sell off a former school and instead look at redeveloping the site for medical purposes.
Following the closure of Holyhead’s Ysgol Llaingoch in July, its pupils have now settled into the new Ysgol Cybi superschool, with council chiefs looking to sell off the site.
According to Anglesey Council, they must receive the best market price to help pay for the multi-million pound school.
But one county councullor is urging decision makers in Llangefni to halt any plans for housing, citing the “urgent need” to look at GP provision in the Holyhead.
While there are three GP practices in the town, Cllr Shaun Redmond believes the town’s population would be better served if they were all under one roof.
He said: “One centre with all of the town’s GPs located inside of it, carrying out minor surgery operating theatres, practice nurses and pharmacy would be a major benefit to the circa 12,000 residents.
“This is not a new idea. It is happening across the UK and has been for years. It would appear that a deal was done by the previous county council administration to sell off the redundant school sites, most likely for housing.
“This new administration could, and should, reconsider that decision.”
He added: “Two of the existing practices are small, have limited parking, and all have frequent issues with appointments and GP availability.
“One dedicated centre, in a convenient area like Llaingoch which has good transport links, would make a world of difference.”
A spokesman for the Betsi Cadwaldr University Health Board said that such matters would need consultation with the existing GP practices, which are independently run.
But an Anglesey Council spokesman told the Mail: “In order to fund the new Ysgol Cybi school as part of the 21st Century School Modernisation Programme, we must sell all three of the former school sites for the best market price. This has been made clear to Elected Members from the outset.”
“Whenever a school site becomes available, interested parties are given an appropriate period of time to come forward.”
He added: “In respect of the Llaingoch site marketing process, we have taken a proactive approach in contacting relevant parties, including a number of Health and Well-being facilities developers, to raise their awareness of its availability.”
“When the marketing campaign ends, a report will either be brought before the Executive for a decision regarding sale (in line with our Asset Management Policy) or delegated to the relevant portfolio holder.”
“Our recently adopted joint local development plan for Anglesey and Gwynedd – after many months of public consultation and review – also identified a need for the development of new housing over the next 15 years across the Island, including Holyhead.”
He also confirmed that the marketing of the former Ysgol y Parc is currently on hold, pending the relocation of Holyhead Library to the new Market Hall building.