Ellesmere campaigners desperate for a new medical practice handed council chiefs more than 400 letters to bolster their bid to have one built in the town.

People who use the cramped Ellesmere Medical Practice, in Trimpley Street, want a new centre to be included in the latest multi-million pound plans for Ellesmere Wharf.

The letters were handed to North Shropshire District Council chairman, Councillor Pauline Dee, last night by members of the Ellesmere Patient Group.

Patients currently complain of a lack of parking and an overcrowded waiting area, while staff are forced to store files in a shower room at the current site.

However, they hope their letters to district bosses will stress the urgent need for a new medical centre at the 20 acre wharf site.

David Skipper, patient group chairman, said: “We have been long convinced about the need for a new surgery and we are delighted with the public response we have had.

“We are not a nation that readily gives support and people will sit back and grumble but in this case people are actually prepared to so something.”

He said he went to the district council headquarters, in Wem, with other members of the group last night and thought they were well received by councillors.

He added he hoped the letters would put pressure on the primary care trust and developers.

The multi-million pound regeneration scheme for the wharf was unveiled by PB Developments last month.

Current proposals include room for new homes, a residential care home, a food store, a pub/restaurant and creche.