PLANS to build a medical centre in a Teesdale village have been given the go-ahead - just days after councillors rejected the proposal.

During a full meeting of Teesdale District Council on Wednesday, members overturned a decision last week by the development control committee to block plans for a surgery in Gainford.

During last week's meeting, members said that the proposed surgery, which will be built on the site of Gainford petrol station, would be dangerous for pedestrians to access because it would be on the busy A67 road, which runs through the centre of the village.

Councillors were also concerned about the loss of the village garage, which has been in existence for more than 30 years.

However, the majority of members voted in favour of building a medical centre, despite opposition from some councillors.

Councillor Jo Fergus, who lives in Gainford, said: "We have very few garages in Teesdale and I think concerns from fellow councillors about the road being dangerous are absolutely right. There are obvious access issues."

However, Councillor Ken Robinson said: "The ideal situation would be to have a new health centre in Gainford, as well as a petrol station, but I have no doubts that this merits my approval, although it will be a shame to lose the garage."

The current surgery, on High Green, is run by Dr Ian Waldin and Dr Michael Neville, who hope to be in the new medical centre by Easter next year.

Dr Waldin said: "We were disappointed when the application was turned down last week, but we are very pleased with the news that that decision has been overturned.

"We now hope to complete the new centre by Easter, which I am sure will be welcomed by residents in Gainford.