A new Government website aiming to convince parents that the MMR jab is safe will have little effect, according to a county doctor.

The page was launched yesterday by the Department of Health to offer reassurance after reports of a possible link between the single jab and autism.

Louth GP Dr Peter Mansfield is one of just a handful of doctors providing individual jabs.

He believes that no Government attempt to reassure parents will quash their fears.

"The Government has been trying to convince parents that MMR is safe for years and although more people have gone back to the combined vaccine recently our appointment book proves that parents are not happy," he said.

"And if the parents aren't happy, the Government must listen.

"The Department of Health is even beginning to re-examine findings regarding the links between MMR and autism which I believe suggests something is badly wrong."

The website includes information on the vaccination and attempts to dispel some of the myths that have grown up around the controversial issue.

Pregnant-mother-of-two Lyn Ingall from Stainton-by-Langworth, near Wragby, has one child with autism and one without, and both had the MMR vaccine. She is expecting another child and plans to have it vaccinated with the MMR.

"I do still have some concerns about the MMR as one of my children is autistic but I really think it is the best option to take," she said. "I would be interested to have a look at this website to learn more about the vaccine, so that I know I am doing what is best for my child.

"And I'm sure many other parents will be grateful to have all the information available to them so they are able to make an informed choice.

"This is a very controversial issue and I know that there are a lot of worried parents out there. But people need to make the right choice for their family and know that they have considered all the facts."

The website includes an information library, latest news stories about MMR, and details of research dating back to February 1998.

Questions which cannot be answered online can be submitted from the site to the Department of Health.

The MMR vaccine was introduced in 1981 and has been used on hundreds of thousands of children - some of whom have developed autism.

But a poll of 52 autism experts found that 90 percent thought the rise in the condition was an illusion, and that figures were increasing due to improved detection.

The poll also found that 92 per cent did not believe autism was linked to the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine.

And despite continued concerns, uptake of MMR jabs in Lincolnshire now stands at nearly 92 per cent, when the Government standard is 95 percent.

This figure has risen significantly from 88 per cent in January.

For more information log on to www.nhsthefacts.nhs.uk .