DISTRICT councillors are working together to support patients at a surgery threatened with closure.

West Oxfordshire District Council has set up a cross-party working group following last month's decision by the doctors running Cogges Surgery, Witney, to hand back the contract for providing services.

Conservative councillor Andrew Beaney chairs the group, which includes cabinet member for health Jeanette Baker.

Conservatives Jane Doughty and Neil Owen and Labour councillors Rosa Bolger and Andy Graham complete the group.

They are also working with West Oxfordshire's Patient Participation Group and liasing with Oxfordshire Clinical Commissioning Group (OCCG).

Cogges Surgery serves approximately 7,700 residents and will continue to provide care until further notice.

Cllr Baker said: “We are aware that there are immense pressures on some small GP practices and the current situation at Cogges is an example of one that has become vulnerable.

“OCCG is saying that they are sympathetic to the issues and are considering a number of options, but are keen to assure patients that services will continue at Cogges until further notice.”

“It’s important that councillors across all political parties work together and look to see how we can influence the situation at Cogges to gain the best possible outcome for patients.”