A VILLAGE will no longer be getting a new state-of-the art surgery, after health bosses withdraw their support for the idea.

NHS West Essex, the Primary Care Trust, had been formulating plans for years to build a new medical centre in North Weald at a site on the airfield.

But that scheme was reliant on thousands of new homes being built on the airfield as part of the East of England plan, and Government chiefs have already said that will not happen.

Existing health care in North Weald is currently provided at Wheelers Farm gardens by The Limes Medical Centre in Epping, and the PCT has said this service will not be affected.

Director of primary care and localities with NHS West Essex Toni Coles said: "We appreciate that a great deal of time and effort has been undertaken by The Limes Medical Centre, the proposed developer and the PCT in attempting to bring this scheme to fruition. However with this change in national policy it is important that we review local needs and this development is now not needed.

“The PCT will continue to review capacity to ensure there is appropriate provision of primary care services within our patch.”