TEIGNMOUTH residents will be given a largely unwelcome new year present – the loss of their minor injuries unit.

Despite vocal and often bitter opposition, the facility will be transferred to Dawlish Community Hospital on January 4.

Health bosses maintain it will provide an improved service, but some more cynical locals fear it could herald the eventual run down and loss of the Mill Lane community hospital.

The minor injuries unit at Dawlish will, however, offer improved services, being open from 8am to 8pm every day of the year, with state of the art medical equipment, including X-ray.

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