Lake District village misses out on new doctors' surgery 'because patients might be hit by cricket balls'

Lake District village misses out on new doctors' surgery 'because patients might be hit by cricket balls'

A Lake District village is set to miss out on a new doctors' surgery after planners raised concerns about patients being hit by cricket balls from the neighbouring green. Local businessman Phil Johnston, 73, had unveiled plans for a new surgery in Coniston - which has no full-time GP. He spent thousands of pounds on the planning application and a risk assessment before withdrawing it in frustration, according to the Mail. Mr Johnston has now opened up on his bewilderment at planning bosses after his ideas were thrown out. TRENDING Stories Videos Your Say "I have had enough. I was only doing it for the village as an act of kindness. There was nothing in it for me," he said. "I am not throwing any more money at it. I don't want the aggro at my age. If they don't want a new doctors' surgery and two new houses, that's up to them." Coniston had a dedicated family doctor for 170 years before the previous GP retired last year. Villagers created a social media video showcasing the area's natural beauty, seven pubs and a brewery to lure in a replacement. Not a single applicant came forward for the 845-strong community, nearly a third of whom are over 65. Without a full-time practice, residents faced an hour-long return car journey to the closest surgery in Ulverston, or twice that by bus. As a temporary measure, another Lake District practice began running a branch surgery three days a week from a basement in the village. Johnston, who owns holiday cottages locally, put forward his own plan to make the post more appealing. The parish council and patients' group both supported the proposal, which included two flats reserved for local residents. RURAL ENGLAND - READ MORE: Home Office sparks fresh outrage as surfaced document reveals plan to house over 3,000 asylum seekers in village Labour draws up plans to make Britain's countryside 'less white' in nationwide diversity drive Planning row erupts over plans to turn picturesque fields into 'crystal desert' with gia