A campaign to bring a mobile breast screening unit back to Warminster has taken a significant step forward, with campaigners now exploring potential locations after being told the service could return to the town in 2028 if a suitable site is found.
Deputy Mayor Cllr Liz Lee and David Reeves, of Health and Wellbeing Warminster, met representatives of the Wiltshire Breast Screening Service (BSS) in an online meeting recently to discuss the future of the service.
Despite support from Warminster Town Council and MP Andrew Murrison, the BSS confirmed that the unit will not return to its original site in the Morrison’s car park due to concerns over staff and patient safety. However, campaigners have been told the service could return to Warminster for the 2028 screening programme if an alternative location can be identified.
David Reeves said, “A number of sites have been identified and are being explored. Once this work is complete, we aim to present the BSS with several suitable sites and to gain their promise and agreement that the unit will return to the town in 2028.
“Meanwhile, the petition for the unit’s return is still live and we urge those impacted (and their loved ones) to sign it to demonstrate the strength of feeling about this issue.”
The mobile breast screening service was withdrawn from Warminster ahead of the 2025 screening programme after being based at the Morrisons car park. The Wiltshire Breast Screening Service said antisocial behaviour, including people banging on the side of the unit during appointments, had raised concerns about the safety of patients and staff.
The decision prompted a campaign led by Cllr Lee and David Reeves, backed by Warminster Town Council, Avenue Surgery, local Wiltshire councillors and MP Dr Andrew Murrison.
More than 1,300 people have signed a petition calling for the unit to return, with campaigners arguing that bringing the service back to Warminster would make breast screening more accessible for thousands of women who would otherwise need to travel to appointments in neighbouring towns.
The petition is available to sign online at https://www.change.org/MobileBreastScreeningWarminster or via a paper petition by Waiting Room A in the Avenue Surgery.
Cllr Liz Lee said, “I would like to ask readers if they would like to write in about their experiences or difficulties about accessing the breast screening services. They can email admin@warminster-tc.gov.uk or call in to the Civic Centre.”
