PEOPLE living in deprived areas of Worcester are further "disadvantaged" because they have no access to a GP, the city's MP has claimed.

Mike Foster feels areas such as old Warndon, Tolladine, Brickfields and Dines Green are missing out and has written to Jacqui Cravos, chairman of Worcestershire Health Authority, to help find ways of providing GP services in these areas.

"Old Warndon, Tolladine, Brickfields and Dines Green are places that are disadvantaged by not having access to GP services," said Mr Foster.

"In addition, these areas are classed as disadvantaged economically as well as in terms of public health. You're more likely to suffer from poor health if you live here than other parts of the city.

"This inequality has to be tackled. I know from talking to people in old Warndon they feel their neighbours in the Villages have the benefit of a GP practice at Lyppard Grange, whereas they have nothing.

"I want this imbalance tackled by providing extra facilities in these areas of deprivation."

Mr Foster feels that providing access to GP services, perhaps alongside pharmacies, is the way to tackle the problem.

In his letter to Ms Cravos, Mr Foster said GPs could use current locations of local pharmacies, such as Dines Green Pharmacy, or Giles Pharmacy in Cranham Drive.

Bella McCreavy, a resident of Cherwell Close, Tolladine, said many elderly people living on her estate had to travel to see a doctor in other areas.

"We're quite lucky because we use the doctors in Lowesmoor," said the 73-year-old, whose husband Tom has suffered a stroke and a heart attack.

"But some of the pensioners living here have to get two buses to the practice or to travel to Shrubbery Avenue.

"It would be a good idea to have a doctor in the area.

"I compare Tolladine to Cinderella - we're forgotten about."