Seven thousand patients in West Bromwich could be left without a dentist, it was revealed today.
The surgery owner claims he hasn’t been given enough cash to relocate under a £350 million transformation of the town centre. Dr Kulbhushan Goel, aged 70, has built up a loyal customer base over the past 38 years.
But his New Street surgery is being bought through a compulsory purchase order as part of the massive town centre redevelopment plans, which will include a new Tesco store and £200m shopping development.
And the veteran dentist claims the compensation he has been offered for moving only covers around half of what it will actually cost him to relocate, meaning he may be forced to shut up shop for good.
Dr Goel said: “I am very, very upset about this, I feel we are facing closure if we don’t get an improved offer. I am not against the redevelopment but I don’t feel I am being offered enough.
“My daughter also works here as a dentist and I have got 7,000 patients, most of which are NHS and there is already a national shortage of dentists. We may have to close.”
A series of compulsory purchase orders are being made on sites around the by Sandwell Council and developers behind the regeneration plans, which are set to change the face of the town for generations to come.
Sandwell cabinet member for regeneration and transport Councillor Bob Badham said: “Any compensation is fixed by the district valuer’s office which is independent from the council.
“I feel that the figure offered to Dr Goel is fair, but I will be checking with officers over the next few days.”
Earlier this month it was announced that plans for West Bromwich town centre received a £40 million boost after funding was approved by the regional development agency Advantage West Midlands.
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