A DECISION to close a doctors surgery in Roydon has "appalled" MP Bill Rammell who has vowed to lobby against it.

East and North Hertfordshire Primary Care Trust will close the Hailey View satellite surgery in the High Street, on March 31, despite saying two months ago that it would remain open.

Speaking at a meeting last week representatives from the surgery and the primary care trust explained the reasons behind the closure suggesting that Roydon villagers could use Harlow Community Transport to travel to the main Hoddesdon surgery four miles away instead.

But Mr Rammell said: "This is ridiculous, and completely ignores the needs of elderly and infirm residents living in Roydon who may need quick and easy access to a GP."

The surgery owners recently put the premises up for sale on the open market.

And at a meeting with parish councillors and community stakeholders it was revealed that two of the owners work for the main surgery in Hoddesdon.

Mr Rammell said: "This decision stinks of secrecy and an ill-veiled contempt for the people of Roydon."

He added: "My constituents deserve better. I will be lobbying strongly for the surgery and the primary care trust to reverse this decision and consider an alternative way forward."

Despite initial concerns that there would not be a 12-week consultation, a spokeswoman from the primary care trust said this will take place.

"As part of this process, the PCT will work with the partners of Hailey View and other surgeries in Hertfordshire and west Essex to identify all the alternative options available for Roydon patients."