RESIDENTS and patients are worried about the building of a new surgery on Wearside.

The Kepier medical practice, in Houghton Health Centre, Houghton-le-Spring - serving 7,000 patients, many from outlying villages - could move later this year because of overcrowding to new purpose-built premises next to Burnside Primary School.

But residents who live near the site believe the proposed access will cause traffic congestion and road safety problems. And patients fear they will experience transport problems in reaching the new surgery.

A public meeting is planned to take place soon, probably in Mautland Street Methodist Church Hall.