WOMEN in a market town could have to travel up to four hours on a bus to have their breasts screened for cancer because there is no power or water available for the mobile service.

The Breast Screening Van has had to cancel its visit to Kington following an ''unexpected' removal of electricity and water in the Mill Street car park.

It means that users must re-schedule appointments to Leominster Community Hospital, a journey of 14 miles which takes two hours each way on the only available public bus which goes via Hereford.

Teresa Gough is 'disgusted' by the news and said that the service is vital in rural areas after its staff detected cancerous lumps in two of her friends.

"All the ladies now have to go to Leominster which is not easy as there's no regular bus service for the people with no cars so it's causing great difficulty," said Teresa.

"My husband has had to take the day off work to take me but some people can't just do that.

"It's very important for women in this area to have breast screening and I know two ladies who found lumps because of the service. This move has caused some women to cancel their appointments.

"The service is something Kington needs to have. We have a big medical centre but no screening unit there despite it being really underused."

Catherine Wiltshire, operational manager for Breast Imaging Services, said that they are working with the council to reinstate the service.

She said: “Carrying out the breast screening mobile service is an important part of our work.

"We apologise to patients that were unable to be screened in Kington as planned. This was as a result of the unexpected removal of the water and electricity supply, which we had not been informed about previously. We are looking into this issue along with Herefordshire Council and are working to reinstate supplies to enable us to deliver breast screening in Kington.

“In order to prevent delays in providing screening, we have arranged to relocate appointments. We plan to be in Leominster until August 1, while we work to return to Kington.

"The team is in the process of contacting the relevant patients regarding their appointment. In the event that we are unable to return to Kington, alternative appointments will be offered in Leominster with some availability in Hereford, once again, we are sorry for any inconvenience caused.”