A GWENT GP service looks set to close after crisis talks between politicians and a local health board failed to find a way to keep the surgery open.

Torfaen Local Health Board (LHB) are expected to announce by Wednesday the dispersal of the 3,000 patients at the Mill Street surgery in Pontnewynydd, Pontypool, to nearby practices after two doctors who were set to take over the surgery pulled out at the last minute.

The Argus reported on Saturday the deal had broken down after the doctors wanted more money, dashing hopes for a secure long-term future.

The health board are not prepared to let the surgery continue on a locum-run basis, arguing this does not provide an acceptable standard of care for patients.

Another option, to advertise for a salaried doctor who would not be contracted to the health board, is also highly unlikely as this has already proved unsuccessful.

LHB representatives will now investigate the feasibility of dispersing patients to adjacent practices in Pontypool, such as Churchwood and Trosnant Lodge.

Lewis Jones, councillor for Trevethin, where around 900 patients belong to the Pontnewynydd practice, told the Argus the future of the surgery was "very bleak" and said while alternative surgeries may have the capacity, they did not have the necessary quality of access for the many elderly and disabled patients from Pontnewynydd.

Torfaen's AM Lynne Neagle has arranged to meet health minister Dr Brian Gibbons tomorrow to discuss any alternatives to dispersal.

The health board dismissed the suggestion of a satellite service at the surgery, which would see doctors from other practices holding surgeries at the Pontnewynydd site, as unfeasible.

Tom Gould, aged 79, of Machine Meadow, Pontne-wynydd, said: "Their objective has been to disperse the practice from day one."

He said a retired doctor was prepared to take the practice on in the short term.

But chief executive of Torfaen LHB, John Skinner, said: "We do not want to stagger from one crisis to another.

"It is our job to provide the best long-term care for patients."

The Mill Street surgery has been facing the prospect of closure since May when resident GP Dr Shirish Patel retired.