Councillors who oppose the closure of Orsett Hospital are failing to find any common ground on the issue and have instead become locked in a war of words.

The controversial decision to close the hospital was announced during a clinical commissioning group meeting on July 5.

It was backed by the Conservative-led council, who have called the four new medical centres that will replace the hospital a move towards 21st century healthcare.

The Thurrock Labour Party and the Independent Party have fiercely opposed the decision and vowed to fight it, claiming they will represent the residents who are concerned Thurrock will be left with fewer and poorer services.

But after failing to put political differences aside, the two parties have turned to making public statements about who opposes the closure more and have blamed each other for failing the community.

Labour leader Oliver Gerrish took steps to repair the divide between the two parties on Wednesday by publishing an open letter. He criticised past statements made by the Independents but made an appeal for the two parties to work together.

“We must keep talking, we must work together, and we must put Thurrock residents before our parties,” he wrote.

“I believe the leadership of our two groups should meet to discuss our available tactics, approaches and ideas to save Orsett Hospital. If we are indeed both committed to saving Orsett Hospital, let us take forward this agenda together.”

His appeal was shot down by Councillor Luke Spillman, leader of the Independents, who said Labour had “betrayed the promises that they made to the electorate”.

Mr Spillman added that his party was willing to work with any councillor who wants to save Orsett but Labour “blew it”.

The political posturing is only like to compound the concerns of residents who are questioning the future of healthcare within the borough.

At a Thurrock cabinet meeting on Wednesday evening, Conservative councillor James Halden reiterated that the decision to close the hospital was not political and it was made by the NHS.

He added: “Thurrock services that Thurrock people rely on will remain in Thurrock”.

Speaking about why his party is continuing to oppose the closure, Mr Gerrish said: “I think it is right that recommendations from any source are fully challenged and scrutinised. In this case, even after the agreement to proceed, it remains very unclear how and where some vital services will be delivered.”