Under the guidelines, Lakenheath surgery could be scrapped along with many others across the county to make way for a series of new "polyclinic" centres.

The proposals would place up to 25 GPs under one roof and operate like a mini-hospital.

However, Colin Noble, county councillor for Row Heath, said: "I don't think there will be one coming to this area as it is a big step to put a polyclinic in place.

"There would be so many demographic issues and I am sure travel would be a problem.

"One thing I will say is that I will fight tooth and nail to make sure a surgery stays in the village as it is a vital part of the community."

For the past week, the surgery has been running a petition, which is part of a nationwide campaign organised by the British Medical Association, to voice their opposition to the plans.

This is due to be sent to Prime Minister Gordon Brown next week.

Cllr Noble added: "What I would say to people in Lakenheath is to sign this petition and show you are against these plans."

Should Lakenheath lose its surgery, patients would have to travel to a centre in either Mildenhall or Brandon. People will be able to sign the petition until the end of tomorrow.

Current guidelines state that each Primary Care Trust must have one new polyclinic in its area.

As it stands, Haverhill is the current front runner for a polyclinic centre in Suffolk.

Bill Robinson, chief executive of the local medical committee, said: "At this stage, there is no threat of implementing one near Lakenheath, but if they decided to put another one in Suffolk who knows where it will go."

In neighbouring Cambridgeshire, MP Jim Paice has pledged his support to the BMA campaign and at St Mary's Surgery, Ely.