A DOUBLE blow has hit Selby with local factory workers fearing for their jobs and a village doctor's surgery announcing its closure.

Workers at Pendant Aluminium Ltd, in Union Lane, were in the dark yesterday as to whether the firm had folded, with the gates locked and nobody answering the phones.

Meanwhile, hundreds of NHS patients learned they will have to find a new doctor when one of the Cawood practices closes its doors in March.

Crisis talks failed to save the Cawood branch of Beech Tree Surgery, which was in jeopardy after plans for new joint premises with the Posterngate branch fell through.

Both surgeries needed work to bring them up to new NHS standards but Selby and York Primary Care Trust could not afford to fund it.

Dr Pat Mcgrann, senior partner of Beech Tree Surgery, said: "The practice wants to offer patients primary healthcare services in the best possible environment and unfortunately our Cawood premises no longer meet the high standards we wish or are obliged to offer our patients.

"This is a planned closure and all of the patients are being written to and offered the chance to remain with our main surgery in Selby or re-register with other local practices."

Kay Goodwin, the PCT's director of strategic partnerships and localities, said: "The PCT has been working closely to support the practice on this planned closure and ensure there is a smooth transition for all of the 500 patients who are registered.

"We appreciate that some patients may have concerns and questions over the closure and as part of the closure process, together with the practice, we have offered to run information sessions in Cawood to explain to patients the options available to them."

Today, Selby MP John Grogan said: "I met with the Cawood practice and we decided given that the decision to close the surgery we would now concentrate our efforts on strengthening the remaining branch surgery in Cawood.

"One idea in its very early stage at the moment is to include a new branch surgery facility in a new community building in Cawood and we will be discussing this further in the new year."

Regarding Pendant Aluminium, Mr Grogan said he had heard rumours the company had closed, but could not confirm it.

Workers said they were also being kept in the dark, being given no indication as to whether they would get their wages.

One, who did not want to be named, said: "Workers were told it would be closing on Tuesday night but have not heard anything since. We do not have a clue what is going on."

Pendant Aluminium Ltd provides glazing and cladding systems and pressed metal fabrications for commercial products alongside PVC domestic installation and management support functions from its factory and headquarters in Selby. It also has offices in Manchester.

Pendant was founded in 1975 and the firm's website said it has flourished into the "well-established caring company with the wealth of experience and technical knowledge it has today".

Ian Wright, chairman of Selby Chamber of Commerce, said he did not know whether the rumours were true.

Updated: 09:48 Thursday, December 01, 2005