The process of finding a new provider of medical services in Thornton and Denholme has been put on hold pending the resolution of a property dispute.

Health chiefs from NHS Airedale, Bradford and Leeds had hoped to be inviting bids to run the GP service, following the conclusion of a public consultation.

However, members of Bradford Council’s health overview and scrutiny committee have asked the primary care trust to put the procurement process on hold until they have received with a further report.

The request comes after problems arose over securing the right to deliver services from premises which are rented from a partnership of private landlords.

Dr Damian Riley, medical director and director of primary care, said: “Having the right premises to deliver these services is particularly important, and we are continuing to work with the surgery landlords to achieve this aim.”