A DINAS Powys GP has branded the existing health centre "inadequate" and welcomed plans for a new medical centre at the former St Cyres School site.

Dr Sue Thomas, senior GP at Dinas Powys Health Centre, said the new facility would better suit patients, would have more rooms for additional services, and better parking..

Dr Thomas, who was guest speaker at the Dinas Powys Voluntary Concern Annual General Meeting, added there would be a number of positive benefits for local residents when the building work was completed.

She highlighted the growth in the number of patients, doctors and staff that use the facility, adding that the number of pensioners had significantly increased to 24 per cent of patients.

She described the current premises on Cardiff Road as "inadequate" for the demands of the community. She said that 50 alternative sites had been examined for a new medical centre and the only appropriate site where there was available land was at the former St Cyres School, Murch Crescent.

She added that one of the priorities of GPs was to keep people out of hospital and be treated within the community.

She said that the medical centre will have more rooms and be able to offers additional services, including therapists, care work and advice sessions. There would be provision for patients parking too.

Access to the new Centre was a concern to some and it is hoped that Dinas Powys Voluntary Concern would be able to assist with transport.

Elected as Chairman were Councillor John Fanshaw, Vice Chairman Alan Higgins, Secretary Wendy Lees and Treasurer David Thomas. Committee members include Brian West, Colin Turner, Councillor Chris Franks, Rev Andrew James, Councillor Keith Hatton and Judith Anderson. Val Hartrey continues as the Community Council representative.

The Chairman thanked the community for continued support for the charity.