Town surgery is targeted by vandals

Surgery bosses have condemned vandals who slammed a metal stake into the premises’ walls.

Ivy Court surgery in Tenterden says it appears repeated attempts have been made to pierce the wall with metal poles at its temporary cabins in Recreation Ground Road.

The poles form a protective barrier around a hole in the ground, caused by the works, and the vandals had breached the main security fencing to remove them during the night last Thursday.

Ivy Court is on the verge of a major expansion as it is set to increase in size by more than 50% to meet patient demand as hundreds of new homes are built in Tenterden.

The surgery will grown from two storeys to three, with floorspace increasing by 59%, but while work begins temporary buildings are being brought into use.

Funding for the work is coming partly from the NHS, with planning permission granted last November, despite the planning officer’s recommendation to reject the scheme due to its potential impact on Tenterden’s conservation area.

Tenterden town council has CCTV footage of the area where the vandalism took place, which has been shared with police.

Lyndsey Webber, practice manager at Ivy Court said: “It is extremely disappointing and upsetting for all staff that the vandals wish to destroy healthcare facilities of the town.

“We are working very hard to provide a first class surgery for the residents in and around Tenterden and to have to deal with this is both time consuming and very frustrating.

She added: “The impact of such an act could have led to consultation rooms being closed, affecting many patients of the surgery as clinics would need to be cancelled.

“The people of Tenterden have been extremely supportive of our plans, unfortunately the actions of a few are spoiling what should be a very exciting time for both patients and staff.”

A police spokesman said: “Local patrols have been made aware of the damage caused to a portable building in Recreation Ground Road.

“Any witnesses should call 01843 222289, quoting 11-0259.”