Thanks to the persistent efforts of a dedicated pensioner, Rafat Saeed, and the Times, patients in Hounslow Heath will now be able to receive treatment at their very own GP surgery.

Former civil servant Mr Saeed, of Midsummer Avenue, first raised the problem in The Guardian two years ago. Since then he has sent a 500 signature petition to John Reid and rallied the support of Hounslow's mayor, Roger Clarke.

"Is it fair to have elderly and disabled people forking out for taxis every time they need to see a doctor?" Mr Saeed asked.

Health chiefs have capitulated due to increasing demands from local residents and have agreed to place a surgery in the area within months.

Suggestions are now being heard to find a suitable location for a temporary Portakabin surgery until its permanent replacement is ready for construction.

At a special meeting last Tuesday, Hounslow Primary Care Trust (PCT) chairman, John James, reassured local residents that he would personally ensure that plans for a new 270-home estate in Vickers Way would also include a permanent surgery. However, the estate will not be built for a few years yet and residents simply refused to wait for a surgery that has already been far too long in the making, highlighting that there are already far too many pensioners and disabled patients forced to make exhausting journeys to reach their nearest GP clinic.

As a compromise, Mr James said until a new surgery is built he would give the go-ahead for a temporary clinic, as long as a suitable one can be found.

"We have never denied there is a need for a primary care facility in the Hounslow Heath area but it cannot happen overnight," he said.

"It was an area we identified as having a gap in provision when the PCT took over from the old health authority in April 2002.

"We have recognised such a gap in the Beaver's Estate area and, in June, a temporary surgery will be opened there."

"Places like Hanworth also need attention, and we recognise Hounslow Heath is an area with a high concentration of housing.

"But what I hope we have found here is both a long-term and short-term solution to the problem there."

Hounslow Heath ward councillor Dalbir Cheema described the area as in "desperate need" of a new surgery and has already found two sites he feels are suitable for a temporary surgery. One is in Midsummer Avenue and the other in nearby Munster Avenue, however the council has yet to come to a final decision. Suggestions are welcome.