The petition cites the impact of the closure on the equity of provision for all patients. It says: "As the sole providers of Primary Care and dispensary services in an area of 460 square miles, Llanfyllin Group Practice must be able to keep their three current sites open to ensure access to healthcare for all in this vast, unique area of Powys."

Llanfyllin Group Practice has 11,300 patients and operates two branch surgeries including the troubled Llanrhaeadr dispensing branch, located some six miles away from the main hub at Llanfyllin and 13 miles from the other group branch at Llanymynech. Llanrhaeadr branch is currently routinely open four days a week but has suffered at least one temporary closure this year due to staff shortages, and there have been issues with medicine deliveries. 

The application by the group to close the branch follows the cited withdrawal of funding by Powys Teaching Health Board. The Community Council describes the closure of the branch as having "a detrimental impact on Primary Care provision throughout this rural area". It adds that public transport is extremely poor in the area and roads and parking at the main practice difficult. A Council representative said: "Why should the people of this area be penalised due to their postal address? The immediate threat to Llanrhaeadr Medical Centre will impact the longer-term sustainability of the Llanfyllin Group Practice leading to poorer services and even greater pressures on A&Es." 

Powys Teaching Health Board will now follow its formal Branch Practice Review Process. A public engagement period will begin later this summer. 

At the time of writing, the petition has 1,355 signatures. The Petitions Committee will consider this petition as it has achieved the necessary 250 signatures. To be considered for debate in the Senedd, 10,000 signatures are required.