A medical centre which was at risk of closing down has been saved by the council.

East Tilbury Medical Centre sent letters out to patients telling them that it would be closing its doors back in October 2016.

But Thurrock Council swiftly intervened to prevent the closure and paused the order used to formally shut down the surgery.

This allowed time for a recovery plan and, in January 2017, Councillor James Halden, brought forward an intervention plan for the council to purchase the building and secure an agreement with NHS England to retain medical services there.

Councillor Halden, responsible for health and education, said: “As residents may remember, last year I reported that due to the debts of a former GP, the East Tilbury Medical Centre was on the brink of collapse, which frankly would have caused significant problems for local people.

“The loss of provision would have meant hundreds of patients needing to move to GPs in Stanford and Corringham, possibly adding further strain to these surgeries.

“The council was clear that it was here to improve primary care in Thurrock and losing a good surgery would be a disaster.”

“I am pleased, after 10 long and difficult months, the council and the residents of East Tilbury have finally had success.”

NHS England is expected to start a tender process soon for a permanent primary care provision, replacing the currently short term arrangements.

Clarification on the nearby Rigg Millner practice was shared by NHS England recently following rumours that it was set to close.

Councillor Halden said that the closing of this practice was “not a true reflection of the situation.”