A FORMER GP surgery could be converted into a shop or a gym after being put up for sale.

Milverton Surgery is being marketed at a guide price of £125,000 five weeks after it closed.

A spokesman for commercial property specialists Greenslade Taylor Hunt says the building, which is owned by a number of former doctors at the practice, is "suitable for a number of different commercial uses, including a clinic, day nursery" or other non-residential institution such as a place of worship.

The spokesman added: "Likewise it could be converted to office, fitness centre or retail use subject to the necessary consents."

The single-storey property in Creedwell Orchard is currently divided into reception, offices, kitchen and stores, with a yard suitable for parking to the side and the front.

NHS England closed the surgery at the end of February, when the lease on the premises terminated, and patients now have to travel at least three miles to Wiveliscombe to see their doctor.

The practice has been replaced by a prescription collection and delivery service, and nurse-led vaccination and health wellness sessions for people with long-term conditions.

Somerset Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, which manages the Lister House Practice in Wiveliscombe, which also ran the Milverton surgery, said one of the reasons for closing the village facility was due to difficulties in recruiting GPs, meaning it was impossible to sustained services at two sites.

It claimed that the decision, which met with much opposition in Milverton, was necessary to protect GP services in the long term for all patients in the surrounding areas.

Trust bosses worked with the local community, including Lister House Patient Group, Milverton Parish Council and the Milverton Working Group to discuss and address local concerns.

As well as investing in local community transport provided Wivey Link to help patients without transport get to Lister House, the trust also provides a small range of services in Milverton, including flu vaccinations, blood tests and other nurse-led group clinics to support people with long term conditions and promote health and wellbeing.