The Nurses Practice has had to pull out of a planned move to a cottage owned by St. Mark's Church in Smith's Parish following objections from residents.

The three nurses in the innovative clinic have to move out of their premises in South Road, Smith's, next month because the owner of the property needs it to expand his own business.

St. Mark's Church offered the nurses accommodation in a cottage in Mount Hope Lane.

But the nurses say have decided against the move because local residents objected to the Planning Department.

In the meantime, the nurses are hoping to continue their childcare and parenting classes in church halls next month and to carry out other services, such as the open Airways asthma charity, from home.

Rita Stevens of The Nurses Practice, told The Royal Gazette : "We are still trying to relocate. We went to see it last week and there have been objections from people who live in that area who are not interested in having a business in their neighbourhood.

"You can't blame them because we would be busy. Because of the objections from the residents, we decided to bow down.

"It hasn't worked out for us and there is nothing coming up at the moment, so we are re-thinking what to do.

"Everything else is on hold until we find a proper place. We've had a wonderful five and a half years and maybe it's time to rethink what we do.'' She said the childbirth and parenting classes will continue in church halls and clients will be informed when dates have been secured.

A spokesman for St. Mark's refused to comment, saying it was a private matter.

HEALTH HTH