Residents in Llanbradach have continued their campaign for a new village health centre with a second petition.
A 500-signature petition has been presented to Dr Andrew Goodall, chief executive of the Aneurin Bevan Local Health Board (ABLHB), by Plaid Cymru ward councillor Colin Mann and local residents.
The move comes two years after a similar petition was presented to health officials. They want the old All Saints’ church site in Llanbradach developed for the medical centre.
Cllr Mann, who with fellow ward councillor Rob Gough have been campaigning for the health centre, said: “The health board is currently looking at its priorities for the future and we believe this scheme should be a priority.
“We are well aware that the health board, like all public bodies, is facing financial challenges. But Llanbradach needs and deserves a health centre.”
Cllr Mann said the appeal for the centre had the backing of residents and the support of both GP practices in the village.
He added: “There is a suitable site and we must not miss the opportunity. We hope the strength of feeling of will have the desired impact on the health board and there is a determination not to let up with the pressure on the health board.”
Carol Hopkins, chair of the Llanbradach Partnership, said: “This is the second petition passed to the ABLHB which only goes to show the strength of feeling the villagers of Llanbradach have towards having a health centre on the old All Saints Church site.
“It is hoped that the ABLHB will consider Llanbradach a priority for such a project so that negotiations can continue in earnest with the Church in Wales in an effort to secure the site for this purpose.”
Villagers want the church-owned land in Llanbradach, which has remained vacant for many years, to be used for a health centre rather than for housing.