SHOCKWAVES were reverberating through the village of Kilndown, near Goudhurst, this week as villagers come to terms with the double blow that they are to lose their doctors' service, just days after hearing they are also to lose their Post Office.

The move, which will see Lamberhurst doctors withdraw their weekly surgery in the village in the New Year, has been described as 'shattering' and 'another blow' for Kilndown, after the announcement that the satellite Post Office service in the village is also being withdrawn due to lack of use.

The Friday afternoon surgery has been held at the Quarry Centre village hall for around 20 years, after villagers raised money to find facilities when the previous premises were lost.

The reasons staff have given for the shock news is that not enough patients were using the service - at some surgeries there were no patients at all. Residents have written letters of objection at the decision which, they say, has been taken without consultation..

It means many elderly people living in the village, and those without transport, including some mothers with children, will have to find transport for the three miles to Lamberhurst to see a doctor.