HUNDREDS of people are expected to turn out to a public meeting over the future of rural GP surgeries.

Coniston and Hawkshead doctors have organised the emergency meeting in Conis-ton, saying planned changes to government funding will force their practices to close.

“The meeting will be open to anyone from either village,” said Dr Jane Rimington, of the Hawkshead Medical Practice.

“We’re hoping as many people as possible will be able to come and express their support for the surgeries, as well as listen to the problems we face and how we are dealing with them.

“We do not want villagers to lose this service and we need their support if we are to fight these changes.”

The concerns have been raised following the government’s announcement that it plans to scrap the minimum practice income grant, which provides financial support to surgeries in smaller, less populated areas.

South Lakes MP Tim Farron, who was visited by almost 900 worried constituents on his recent summer surgery tour, has also pledged his support to the cause. “It’s clear from the strength of feeling raised during my recent tour that local communities care deeply about the possible loss of rural GP practices,” he said.

“I would ask residents across the areas served by the Hawkshead and Coniston practices to come along to the public meeting, make your voice heard and find out how you can get involved with the campaign.”

In the meantime, while he lobbies health secretary Jeremy Hunt, Mr Farron has called on the Yorkshire Dales and Lake District National Park authorities to step in and help the surgeries financially.

An online ‘e-petition’ has also been set up, while paper versions can be signed in both the Hawkshead and Coniston practices.

“We absolutely must keep these surgeries open,” added Mr Farron.

The meeting will be held at John Ruskin School on August 31 at 10.30am. The e-petition can be signed at http://epetitions. direct.gov.uk/petitions/51875