'I am determined to save all essential NHS services in Dudley borough' - MP rallies support over under-threat Sedgley surgery,

Dudley MP Sonia Kumar also said she wanted to save the clinic and library building in Ladies Walk, Sedgley which she visited on Saturday in a ';day of action.'

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On a Bank Holiday Saturday she was joined by over 50 supporters for a show of defiance outside the building, whose lease is due to end early next year after it was opened in 2001.

Sonia Kumar MP outside of Sedgley Library and clinic at Ladies Walk. She is calling on Dudley Council to extend the lease on the building or to consider buying it outright.

During last months community forum, residents asked whether the building would be knocked down for housing, and where services would be relocated to. More than 500 people signed a petition organised by Miss Kumar which was started at the packed out meeting.

Residents sign the petition to keep the Ladies Walk centre in Sedgley on a day of action called by Dudley MP Sonia Kumar

She says the hub is vital, providing essential health services, community support, and access to the library all under one roof.

Sonia Kumar talks to residents at Ladies Walk on a day of action in Sedgley

The former NHS physiotherapist won the Dudley seat last year despite having no previous political experience and on Saturday she re-iterated how important it was for the people of Sedgley to keep the building, which provides an array of services, including blood screening.

She said: "I am determined to save all essential NHS services in Dudley borough, not just because of my background but because they were hard fought for and are of immense value to the whole community.

"Sedgley’s message from the community forum, the petition and the turnout today is loud and clear, this centre matters.

"And after the closure of Concord Market recently it is even more important to save this building, which provides dual services for the people of Sedgley

“Whether it’s access to healthcare, library resources, or a community space, the Ladies Walk Centre plays a vital role in people’s lives.

"I will continue to stand with Sedgley residents every step of the way. Together, with the community meeting, petition and turnout today we’re showing just how much our community values and needs these services.”

The MP was supported by Upper Gornal and Woodsetton councillor's Adam Aston and Carol Littler.

Councillor Aston commented: " Both the clinical facilities and library must remain in their current location. Tis is not a party political issue but one of right and wrong! I’ll continue to campaign for the future of Ladies Walk on behalf of my Upper Gornal and Woodsetton constituents."

Dudley Council leader Councillor Patrick Harley said both the authority and the local NHS were in talks with the landlord's agent about the future of the building.

He said the council and NHS were doing all they could to maintain library and health services in Sedgley.

“We are exploring three options and would prefer for the facilities to remain at Ladies Walk," he said.

“We are currently in talks with the landlord’s agent to ascertain the viability of that.

“Failing that, we will be looking to secure a building in Sedgley for the library to move to. We will continue talking to our health partners about the possibility of co-location and co-operation to this end.

“We do not have any definitive answers or timescales at the moment but can assure residents we are doing all we can to resolve this."

Miss Kumar urged residents to share their thoughts by emailing her at sonia.kumar.mp@parliament.uk.