MORE than 5,000 signatures have been collected opposing the closure of the walk-in centre next to Asda in Hereford.

There is currently a consultation outlining proposals to close the walk-in element and instead relocate the Ross Road branch of Moorfield House Surgery to the site.

This would mean that only patients registered with that surgery would be able to be seen by a GP during the weekdays between 8am and 6pm.

The Herefordshire Clinical Commissioning Group is also suggesting moving the out of hours Taurus hub, currently in St Owen Street, to the Asda site, which would provide evening and weekend appointments for all county residents registered with a GP.

Former county councillor, Glenda Powell, handed the petition in to chairman of the CCG, Ian Tait, and the accountable officer, Simon Hairsnape ahead of a meeting about the plans.

Ms Powell said: "I have contacted people across Herefordshire and they are in the same mind as myself that we cannot lose this centre because people would revert back to A&E and we all know the pressures on A&E."

She said GP surgeries are already under pressure and claimed patients have to wait weeks to be seen.

She added: "I think the petition speaks for itself. We have 5,655 signatures that people have signed to keep it open.

"So many people use it."

The CCG want to make the changes because they say first and foremost people want to see their GP, as they hold their notes and understand the patient.

They say it is not about saving money but about making sure patients have access to good quality primary care services.

They plan to improve access to GP services for people who find registering with a GP difficult

Mr Hairsnape said: "I think it is really important that people express their views in any way they want- come to these events, email us, call us.

"We are listening. We want to explain the case for change that local GPs are supporting. We hope to convince people that these proposals are sound.

"If we can't, we won't make the changes."

There are two further meetings on Wednesday, March 29 from 3 to 5pm and 6 to 8pm at Hereford Town Hall, St Owen Street.

There will also be drop-in events at the walk-in centre on Wednesday, March 22 and Wednesday April 5 between 11am and 4pm.

To view the consultation go to www.herefordshireccg.nhs.uk/get-involved/seven-day-services. It runs until April 24.