An apology has been issued to nearly 30,000 patients affected by the scrapping of a new surgery as questions focus on what's next for the site's future.

Cardinal Medical Practice was meant to expand following the creation of the £8m practice at the land of the former Tooks Bakery.

However, after several delays and rising costs the plans were abandoned last month.

During a full council meeting at Ipswich Town Hall on Wednesday, councillors questioned what was next.

Ipswich Borough Council leader Neil MacDonald apologised to the residents of north Ipswich and neighbouring villages, over the cancellation and what it means for them.

Neil MacDonald apologies for the cancellation.Neil MacDonald apologised for the cancellation.

 Mr MacDonald said: "I first got an email on this in July 2014.

"I believed in it and it was taken forward, but I am bitterly disappointed at this news. 

"To the residents, I am sorry that the NHS has led you down in this case. I hope they provide great service to the people of North West Ipswich in the future."

Christine Shaw said...Christine Shaw had previously said that people expressed their concerns to her about the abandoned plans.  (Image: Paul Geater)

Following the meeting, Labour councillor and chair of the patients' forum for the practice Christine Shaw said that patients of northwest Ipswich are disappointed by the news. 

She said: "On Wednesday, councillor MacDonald has expressed his disappointment, and this is felt by a lot of people here in Ipswich.

"They had been promised a new clinic which was meant to take almost 30,000 patients because the area really needed it. 

"But not getting it will have a huge impact on people, and is really saddening."

Conservative group leader Ian Fisher asked the meeting what the future of the site would be. Mr MacDonald stated that the site is owned by the borough council and that officers are currently considering its options.  

Plans for Cardinal Practice surgery were abandoned in October.Plans for Cardinal Practice surgery were abandoned in October.  (Image: Paul Geater) Liberal Democrat Councillor Oliver Holmes also asked Mr MacDonald if the council has any way of getting reimbursed for the "considerable expenses" it had made on the site. 

The Labour leader said no", but added: "No agreement was put in place then and we knew we were acting at risk.

"We hope any future development will include something like this."