It follows concerns the change could raise tensions in Derby.

The Sale Street surgery closed in October after no GP came forward to run it.

Its 1,700 patients were forced to find another doctor.

'Friction developing'

Many of these were angered when they found out their surgery would re-open for asylum seekers.

Councillor Fareed Hussain was inundated with similar complaints and a petition.

He said resentment would grow unless there was a rethink.

"If they fail to get a GP who can offer services from here then it is going to cause some difficulty.

"It is probably not in the best interests of the asylum seekers either.

Remain closed

"They want to live in harmony with local residents, they do not want to see this friction developing amongst local people."

Health officials say they will look again to see if there is any chance of providing a service for local people.

Meanwhile the surgery will remain closed until it is decided who will be treated there.