THE much loved Studley Health Centre has closed its doors for the final time - sooner than planned.

NHS South Warwickshire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) confirmed that centre closed last Friday.

The Advertiser reported in August that the closure would be the "death knell" of the embattled village.

The closure is the latest blow for Studley which in the last six months has seen the Studley branch of HSBC in Alcester Road close followed by the closure of Lloyds Bank branch, the only bank that was left in the village.

The GPs working at the centre, Dr Margaret Buckley, Dr Deepika Dandamudi, and Dr Lars Grimstvedt, all requested to terminate their contract and gave six months’ notice to the CCG.

Following a consultation with the public the practice was scheduled to close on December 31.

Sadly, due to unforeseen circumstances the practice had to close earlier.

Alison Walshe, from South Warwickshire CCG, said: “We regret the inconvenience this will cause to those remaining patients at Studley Health Centre, but it is now vital that patients re-register with a practice of their choice as soon as possible ahead of the Christmas and New Year period.

“This is especially important to ensure their continued access to urgent care if required.”

There are GP practices in the local area, which are able to accept patients from Studley Health Centre.