Four GP premises in the county of Lincolnshire are to close as health officials say they could not find suitable applicants to run them.

The closure comes after the company running the four premises – two in Lincoln and two in Gainsborough, went into liquidation earlier this year.

Lincolnshire West clinical commissioning group says 10,500 patients at the four surgeries have a total of 13 nearby practices to choose from for their primary care services.

The CCG says it has received applications to run the premises following the collapse of United Health Ltd – but the bids did not meet criteria.

But the MP for Lincoln Karl McCartney said: “I greatly fear there will be a knock-on effect that makes it harder for everyone in Lincoln to see a doctor as quickly as they might wish to, and should do.”

Sarah Mills, from the CCG, said: “In these regrettable circumstances, we have no alternative but to close the practices.

“But patients must absolutely be assured they have the full support of the CCG to help them choose an alternative practice to register with. Ultimately, it is the patients’ choice.”