Overwhelming support has been expressed by Brentwood councillors for ambitious multi-million pound proposals to establish a new Community Hospital within the town.
The principle of establishing a £15 million state-of-the-art hospital at the Crescent Drive site has gained the unanimous backing of Brentwood Council's Policy Board.
Councillors will still have to pick over the details of the plans when a full application is made, but they have given their whole hearted support to the idea of the new hospital.
Council leader Cllr Vicky Cook, who has 27 years experience as a nurse, said: "It is an opportunity to grab with both hands."
Liberal Democrat Deputy Leader Cllr Charles Myers added: "There has always been a question over the accessibility of services in Brentwood.
"Up until now it seems they have been continually moved out of the the borough to other areas. This represents a reversal of that process."
Conservative Deputy Leader, Cllr Frank Kenny, said: "This is a massive leap forward and something we have needed for some time."
The proposals for a new hospital have been put forward by Billericay, Brentwood and Wickford Primary Care Trust.
However, the project has not gained universal support from residents.
Opponents have argued that demolishing the existing community hospital to make way for the new one is a major assault on the town's heritage.
Meanwhile residents in Crescent Drive are raising serious worries over the level of traffic which will be created by the new hospital.
Public consultations are continuing on the trust's proposals.
Published Tuesday October 29, 2002
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article