BLOOD testing services from Ongar War Memorial Hospital will be switched to Love Lane Social and Sports Club while construction of a new heath centre takes place.

The twice weekly sessions will take place on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings from August 4 between 9am and 11:30am.

NHS West Essex director of corporate services Leigh Fleming said: "We always said we would keep the much-valued blood testing service in Ongar as we continue to progress the exciting plans for a new health centre on the Ongar War Memorial Hospital site.

”We would like to thank the club and Ongar Town Council for allowing us the use of the premises for the twice-weekly service which is welcomed by many local people who would otherwise have to travel to St Margaret’s Hospital in Epping."

Other services, including diabetic retinopathy and Age Concern's toe nail cutting services will also shift to the club, while physiotherapy, podiatry and speech and language services will take place at St Margaret’s Hospital in Epping.