TWO Portland councillors have clashed with South Dorset MP Ian Bruce in a row over the future of a doctors' surgery at Tophill.

Residents have been sent a letter by Mr Bruce claiming Tory town councillors are opposed to the closure.

The letter also names independent councillors Harry Booth and Les Ames and urges residents against closure to contact them with their views.

But both councillors claim no such proposal has been finalised nor are local bodies backing closure as the letter claims.

And a furious Mr Booth strongly criticised the MP, saying: "This is a campaign of misinformation by Mr Bruce who I believe is attempting to make political capital out of health matters."

Mr Booth and Mr Ames said talks are to be held later this month to discuss the future of the surgery.

Doctors had originally proposed to transfer services to a new surgery site at Underhill, they said.

But the plans have not developed and there is to be a meeting later this month, between Portland Hospital developers and health authorities.

Mr Ames, who represents Tophill West said: "There are no firm proposals for the future of Tophill surgery at this time.

"A series of public meetings will be held so the public can give their views on what they want.

"I believe a surgery in some form must be retained on Tophill and I will support that."

Mr Booth, who represents Tophill East, said the meeting would help scotch wild rumours about the surgery's future.

But an unrepentant Mr Bruce said: "I'm glad to hear both councillors are succumbing to the pressure I've put on, because both said they were in favour of moving all services to Underhill.

"I am determined that people are made fully aware that the Health Authority has yet to agree to the closure of the surgery.