A PETITION calling on the Government to reject controversial plans for GP surgeries, which could force the closure of vital doctors' dispensaries, has been launched.

The petitioning exercise has been launched by prospective parliamentary candidate for the Conservatives, Mel Stride, in response to contentious plans put forward in the Government White Paper, entitled 'Pharmacy in England'.

Under the proposals, doctors' dispensaries in rural and market town surgeries could face an enforced closure where there is a pharmacy within one mile of the surgery.

The plans would mean that the dispensary at Okehampton Medical Centre would face closure, as there are both a Lloyd's Pharmacy and Boots on the High Street, within the one-mile boundary.

In response, Mr Stride has launched a petition calling on the Government to reject the controversial proposals.

The petition highlights the 'vital service' the dispensary offers to the community in and around Okehampton, and how many people would be inconvenienced by its closure.

It has already been delivered in a number of communities that currently rely on the Okehampton dispensary, including South Zeal, South Tawton and Exbourne.

Mr Stride is also hoping to use the petition to highlight how these plans would be yet another blow to the already embattled rural communities, who have been hit by post office closures, rising cost of living and fuel prices.

Speaking at the launch he said: 'The Okehampton Medical Centre Dispensary is vital. It provides a prescription delivery service for those living in our outlying villages and for our elderly and less mobile this is absolutely essential.

'Having our dispensary alongside our medical centre also provides that vital link between the patient on the one hand and the pharmacist and the doctor on the other.

'This White Paper represents just another example of how this government is out of touch with the needs of rural communities. We need more local services — not less.'

The Government proposals have already been slammed by Okehampton Medical Centre staff and patients.

The practice currently dispenses to around 4,500 people, dispensing an average of 7,636 drugs per month.

The petition wording states: 'We the undersigned residents of Okehampton and the surrounding area call upon the Government to reject the proposals contained within the Pharmacy in England White Paper which would be likely to force the closure of the practice dispensary in Okehampton.

'We urge the Government to recognise that this dispensary is a vital service and that many people would be highly inconvenienced by its closure.'