CHIPPENHAM GP Barney Williams is reassuring parents their local parent and toddler health session will continue to run at his surgery.

Dr Williams, from Marshfield Road Surgery, said several patients were concerned about rumours the popular Wednesday afternoon clinic and Panda Club would come to an end. They also feared there would be no health visitor service at the surgery for patients. "Mothers were given incorrect information," said Dr Williams.

"We will continue to provide this service here. We intend to keep on even if we have to pay for a health visitor."

About 11 mothers were given the wrong information, he said. The misunderstanding arose because mothers discharged from maternity units were told the health visitors were based at the Goldney Avenue Clinic.

But Dr Williams says the Goldney Avenue Clinic is not a suitable or popular venue and patients prefer the Marshfield Road service.

The Panda Club, which runs every Wednesday from 2pm to 4pm, gives parents the chance to use a child immunisation service and there is a doctor seeing expectant mothers and conducting child health and post natal checks.

In addition a children's specialist nurse practitioner runs a drop-in advice clinic. Dr Williams has been assured a health visitor will be also available. Dr Williams said Goldney Avenue's layout is not an ideal as mothers have to discuss intimate problems where they might be overheard.

"The building is in poor physical shape too," he said. "It is old and dilapidated and stuffed with asbestos, which I don't think young children should be exposed to."

A spokesman for the Kennet and North Wiltshire Primary Care Trust said families registered with the Marshfield Road Surgery had a named health visitor who could be contacted at Goldney Avenue on (01249) 445626.

He said the Goldney Avenue building was built at a time when asbestos boards were often used.

He said the condition of the boards is monitored regularly. "The building is regularly maintained," he said. "There is no danger to visitor."