AS British Medical Association members prepared to strike today over Government-proposed changes to their pension scheme, the local NHS reassured people that anyone needing urgent care would receive it.

In Alton, both GP practices confirmed they would be open for business as usual on Thursday.

But the message from The Wilson Practice, based at Alton Health Centre, was clear: "We are not striking, but smarting."

For full story, see this week's Alton Herald.