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Hundreds of Burnham residents have gathered at Ormiston Rivers Academy, with hundreds more forced to listen from outside the school's main hall, this evening (August 18).

Chloe Brewster and Ben Shahrabi report…

NHS representatives have joined Burnham Town Council and Sir John Whittingdale MP to debate the possible relocation of the town's surgery.

The meeting follows posts on social media suggesting the surgery may be about to move out of the town to the new Burnham Waters development on the western outskirts.

The assembly hall at Ormiston Rivers Academy is at capacity, with hundreds of people standing outside. (Photo: Ben Shahrabi)

Burnham Town Mayor Councillor Duncan Rawlinson opened proceedings. Samantha Glover, CEO of Healthwatch Essex, moderated the debate.

Police are present at the school. (Photo: Ben Shahrabi)

Sir John Whittingdale the told residents this was the largest meeting he had ever been involved with in his three decades as MP for the Maldon Constituency. He warned about misinformation being shared online, which he says have "made feelings stronger".

"No decisions have been taken," he said.

"Healthcare is probably the top issue within my constituency. 

"What I have seen is new health facilities, such as in South Woodham Ferrers, Southminster, with more planned for Heybridge and later Maldon. Those have only happened because of development."

Maldon MP Sir John Whittingdale said developments throughout his constituency have led to new healthcare facilities being built. (Photo: Ben Shahrabi)

Dan Doherty, the NHS Alliance Director for Mid Essex Integrated Care Board (ICB), told residents: "The ICB has made no decision to relocate Burnham surgery, nor has it received a proposal to relocate the surgery to Burnham Waters or anywhere else. 

"There is no proposal to make a decision on. Hopefully that makes things crystal clear."

However, he also informed residents "there isn't a surgery in Essex that doesn't want more space", due to rising demand.

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