NEYLAND town council is calling on the health board to meet with residents ahead of a decision on whether to close St Clements surgery.

The council has written to Hywel Dda University Health Board and Health Secretary Vaughan Gething, regarding the proposed closure of the GP surgery.  

But, says the council: "Despite several requests, and at the request of the residents of Neyland, the health board has not agreed to a second public meeting at which they would be present to hear the concerns of residents.

"The members of Neyland Town Council are very concerned at this refusal."

Around 250 people attended a meeting to discuss the surgery's future on January 25.

On March 7, Neyland town clerk wrote to the health board calling for a second public meeting.

Members were offered a private meeting with the board's vice chairman, but due to "serious concerns" from councillors, this was turned down.

On April 4, the council again wrote to the board, pressing for a meeting open to all local surgery users.

A letter has also been sent to the health secretary, emphasising the "impact and detrimental effect a closure would have on the town".

"I appreciate that there has been one public meeting and a drop-in session arranged, but the people of Neyland expressly requested that a second public meeting be held at which members of the Health Board were present," the letter continued.

"Despite requesting such a meeting on two occasions the Heath Board seem reluctant to agree and I therefore ask if you could urge them to agree to a second public meeting so that the feelings of the residents are fully known."

The fate of the surgery, which has around 2,300 patients, is due to be decided on April 30.

Hywel Dda has been contacted for a comment.