A doctors' surgery is facing relocation as its GP contract is soon to expire and the landlords want to sell up.

NHS England has reassured patients of The Beechcroft Surgery, in Beechcroft, New Costessey, that GP services will continue to be provided no matter what.

But a spokesman admitted it was possible that the existing practice could close and move to a different location.

The NHS has sent letters to patients registered with the surgery, and is urging people to complete a survey to share their views.

Concerns were voiced at a meeting of Costessey Town Council last night, with councillors fearing a relocation could adversely affect vulnerable residents.

Tim East, chairman of Costessey Town Council, said: 'It was built catering for the vulnerable, the frail and the elderly and was easily accessible.

'We do appreciate that GP healthcare services will continue in Costessey, but we're adamant it should be retained in its present location.'

In early 2012 the surgery faced an uncertain future when partners left and management expressed a desire to cease services at the site.

After a campaign they were persuaded to continue with an interim practice, and Mr East said the council would write to NHS England on this occasion to oppose a possible move.

He said losing the surgery at its current site could make it harder to access a GP, and this was a particular problem with growing housing estates at Lodge Farm, Easton and Queen's Hills bringing more people to the area.

'Where will they be treated if Roundwell Medical Practice refuses to treat them as there are too many registered?,' he said. 'They will go to A&E, which will exacerbate the situation.

'It seems an awful anomaly that we can build all these houses then not ensure for their healthcare in future years - it's madness.'

Andrea Patman, head of commissioning for NHS England, Midlands and East (East), said: 'NHS England is committed to ensuring that everyone has access to high-quality local GP services.

'The time-limited GP contract for The Beechcroft Surgery is due to come to an end in March 2016 and to ensure patients are able to continue to see a local GP, a procurement process is underway to find a new provider for this practice.

'Patients will remain registered with their GP practice and will not have to take any further action and there are no plans for this surgery to move location at present as a result of this contract change.

'However as the current landlord has indicated their wish to sell the premises we cannot be certain at this stage that the practice will continue to be located at the existing premises.

'The provider of the new contract may decide to purchase the premises, but we cannot guarantee this will be the case.'

She said impact on patients would be an important part of NHS England's decision making process when appointing a provider for the contract, and there would be consultation.

Patients can contact NHS England on 0300 311 2233 if they have any queries or concerns or Healthwatch Norfolk on 0808 168 9669.