LUDGERSHALL'S district councillor Peter Richard-son says there is a big black hole in health provision in his area and he thinks the community needs more investment to improve the situation.

Cllr Richardson, who had to relinquish his place in the Kennet and North Wilts Primary Care Trust scrutiny panel when he became a member of Kennet District Council's executive, made the claim during a presentation to villagers at the annual parish meeting.

"Where is our choice for dentists?" he asked.

"As for intermediate care we haven't got any - there is great big black hole in these services around here."

He added that as a result of new contracts, doctors' surgeries would soon cease to be open on Saturday while accessing a minor injuries unit in Andover will soon be impossible during the night.

He recognised that the primary care trust has serious debts which have to be paid off but assured the audience that the district council would continue to press for improvements.

"We want to see the best possible outcomes for patients and support the development of improved services in Ludgershall," he said.

"The council has a 20 year vision to make Kennet the healthiest place to live."

"It is a long-term objective but I hope to be able to come back with something sooner than that."