THE future of a rural doctor’s surgery in the Lake District could be secured thanks to a community-conscious father and daughter.

Bill Barr and Charlotte Wood, who run The Croft Camping, on North Lonsdale Road, Hawks-head, have submitted a planning application to the Lake District National Park Authority to build a modern surgery in the village.

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A shadow has been cast over the future of the surgery, which was recently rated the best practice in the country in an NHS survey, over changes to the way the Government funds small rural facilities.

But it is hoped a larger up-to-date surgery would be able to offer additional services which could unlock a wider range of grants.

“The building we are in now is not suitable for our purposes,” said Dr Kaye Ward, one of two part-time GPs who operate out of Hawkshead.

“We are incredibly pleased they are doing it for us and this will be an asset to the community.”

If approved, the scheme would be located near Braggfield Cottages and would see a ground floor surgery with disabled access, two consulting rooms and space for visiting healthcare professionals such as midwives.

It is hoped two first-floor two-bedroomed flats will help fund the development.

Windermere-based Hough Tullett are acting as agents in the scheme.

“The applicants are very committed to ensuring the providence of a medical centre in Hawkshead to the extent that they are prepared to construct a modern standards Care Quality Commission compliant facility using their own financial reasons,” the company said in its design statement submitted to the LDNPA.