Hundreds of residents turned out as part of the "biggest political event in Burnham's history" last Friday (August 18), for a debate on the town surgery's possible relocation.

On this page, Nub News brings you an extensive range of information about the debate, including videos and interviews with residents and those in positions of power. It will be updated in due course, and more information can be found using the links below:

• NHS representatives invited to join MP Sir John Whittingdale and others for public debate about Burnham Surgery
• BURNHAM SURGERY DEBATE: Updates as panel faces residents

• WATCH: 'Our surgery is under siege' - Burnham residents turn out in full force for health centre debate
• WATCH: Maldon District Councillor reads leaked Burnham Waters email during Surgery debate

• Burnham Town Mayor tells developers and the NHS to 'keep us in the loop' over surgery plans, as 1,300 residents sign petition
• Burnham residents grill developers and NHS representatives over proposed surgery relocation

Organised by Burnham Town Council, the public meeting saw local MP Sir John Whittingdale joined by representatives from the NHS, a local health watchdog, and Burnham Waters. It was held at Ormiston Rivers Academy, the biggest venue available at short notice.

Nearly 450 people attended the public forum, set up after rumours spread on social media that the surgery could be about to move out of town and into the Burnham Waters development. The school's main hall was at capacity half an hour before the meeting was due to start, forcing nearly 200 residents to stand outside.

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

Panellists included Carol Banham and Dr Rahman from Burnham Surgery, Dan Doherty from the local NHS Health Authority, Burnham Waters Project Director Ian Holloway, and Burnham Waters Planning Consultant Stuart Rowe. Samantha Glover, CEO of NHS watchdog Healthwatch Essex, chaired the meeting.

Representatives from Maldon District Council were invited, but declined to attend, saying: "As the Local Planning Authority for the Maldon District, [the council] must ensure it acts, and is seen to act, fairly and impartially to all development proposals that may be forthcoming.

"Therefore, it is not appropriate for officers to attend the local meeting."

However, Maldon District councillors were present, including Wendy Stamp (Ind, Burnham-on-Crouch North) and Vanessa Bell (Ind, Burnham-on-Crouch South).

Cllr Stamp expressed her disappointment that nobody from the District Council's Corporate Leadership Team attended, telling residents: "I'm fed up of Burnham getting the raw end of the deal for everything.

"You can call us district councillors out if you like, but there's a lot of us who do a lot of hard work to try and help our community. We did it – they didn't respond."

Some residents felt Maldon District Council should have been present to answer planning-related questions. An empty chair was left for them on the panel.

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