THE closure of two threatened branch surgeries in the Camborne area could be stopped after churches, patients and councillors rallied round to save the service.

The two branches of Praze GP Surgery held at the Methodist churches in Leedstown and Wall were earmarked for closure in the face of dwindling numbers and "inadequate" facilities.

However, strong local opposition from patients, parish councillors, MP Andrew George and even the WI has made the Central Cornwall Primary Care Trust think twice about granting the request by the main Praze surgery to close the facilities.

The two clinics are only open for three hours a week between them, but are a valued service according to objectors.

In a report to the county council the CCPCT said they had been "impressed" with an offer by the two churches to upgrade the facilities, which are currently below the standard required for health care.

They also listened to residents who argued the closure of the surgeries would make it difficult for vulnerable people to access health care easily and that the main Praze surgery was overcrowded.

The PCT is expected to say it is "premature" to close the two branches at a meeting to be held later this week, but will monitor the situation at a future date.

A new £400,000 branch surgery in Connor Downs is to be operational within 12 months and the main surgery at Praze is to be expanded in the "not too distant future" according to reports.