A medical centre has closed its books to new patients.

The Jaywick Community Care and Health Centre has stopped taking patients because it has reached its limit.

County and district councillor Roy Smith, who supported the introduction of the health centre, said he had been alerted to the move by concerned Jaywick residents.

He said he had been contacted by a retired woman and a woman with two children who had no means of transport.

They both said they had found they could not be seen at the medical centre.

Assistant manager at the centre Sue Baker confirmed today: "Our books are closed at the moment because there are only so many we can take. We have reached that limit.

"But it doesn't mean to say it will stay that way. People need to contact the health authority and they will be allocated a doctor."

Mr Smith, who is vice-chairman of Essex County Council's social services committee, said he was concerned the books had been closed because Jaywick had been identified as an area with special needs.

He said many people did not have transport to go to other medical centres. Elderly people were also a particular concern, Mr Smith said, because they want medical facilities near where they live.

He added: "There should be other doctors employed in the centre to cope with the workload.

"It is vital we can get services provided locally and delivered to people."

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