South Gloucestershire Council are set to buy the Thornbury Hospital site in an attempt to finally improve the town's healthcare facilities and end a '30-year legacy of failure'.

The agreement with current landowner North Bristol NHS Trust (NBT) will be considered by the council's cabinet next month.

In December a new £13.3million bid to redevelop Thornbury Health Centre on the hospital site was submitted.

The proposal to purchase the site was first put forward by Conservative councillor Matthew Riddle, who represents the Severn Vale Ward that neighbours Thornbury.

He said: “Having first proposed the Council considers buying the land from the NHS to redevelop the hospital into a brand new health facility that would support residents in Thornbury and the surrounding villages, I am truly delighted on behalf of the residents I represent that the Council’s Conservative leadership has been able to come through.”

Toby Savage, leader of South Gloucestershire Council, said: “My mum used Thornbury health centre when pregnant with me and the facilities have barely changed since then.

"This new breakthrough is the furthest local Conservatives have come to make our vision a reality, with Thornbury having the modern healthcare facilities it so desperately needs.

"I am pleased we have been able to take this significant step towards our goal and towards ending the 30-year legacy of failure on this vital issue.”

Thornbury and Yate MP Luke Hall added: “Redeveloping Thornbury Health Centre is a key part of our positive plan for health.

"It will mean our community can access the care they need closer to home, including more outpatient and GP services, mental health support and extra care housing.

"The whole community will be pleased that this sale has now been agreed.”