STOURBRIDGE councillor Nic Barlow has urged all parties to get round the table to try and solve the problem of the lack of public transport which is causing difficulties for elderly and frail patients attending the new multi-million pound Lion Health centre.

The Wollaston and Stourbridge Town councillor's comments follow confirmation by the region's public transport co-ordinator Centro which has declared it has no plans to supply a service to the state-of-the-art GP surgery, off Lowndes Road, which serves over 26,000 patients.

Centro has insisted access to the surgery is unsuitable for buses.

As a result, some elderly patients are struggling to walk from the nearest bus stop in Enville Street which involves a distance of several hundred yards.

Now Cllr Barlow is looking to find a solution and said: "It's extremely frustrating and very annoying for a number of people who feel alienated.

"I'm just surprised there was nothing to cater for public transport in the original plans. It seems to have fallen down the cracks.

"I'm prepared to get round the table with everyone concerned to try and resolve this because we need to exhaust every avenue - even if it means taking out some of the existing car parking spaces."

Centro claims Lowndes Road isn't wide enough for its buses which are unable to reverse.

A spokesman pointed out: "A turning circle wasn't factored into the original plans. When this was pointed out to the surgery, which is a private business, they were unwilling to make a financial contribution to the costs.

"The bus route at the junction with Enville Street is well served with five buses every hour.

"If people are having difficulty walking to the surgery, they could consider contacting 'Ring and Ride' and I would suggest they sign up to the scheme."

Nick Jackson, operations manager for the Lion Health centre, stated: "Lion Health is aware of some of the restrictions associated with public transport access to the practice.

"We have been working intensely with all relevant parties since way before the surgery relocated.

"Unfortunately the transport situation is outside of our control and we are dependent on the council and Centro to provide a solution for our patients."