MEMBERS of the public can explore the controversial plans to shut the only A&E in the borough at a series of roadshows over the next few weeks.

Staff from Health for North East London (NEL) will be on hand to answer questions and provide information to residents about the proposals to replace the ward at King George Hospital in Ilford with an upgraded urgent care centre.

Under the plans, emergency patients would be sent to either an expanded A&E at Queens Hospital in Romford or Whipps Cross in Leytonstone.

Concerns have been raised about how the increased journey times could affect patients' chances of survival in the event of a life-threatening injury, and councillors have discussed the matter in a serious of heated debates over the last few months.

The plans are currently up for public consultation and councillors will examine some of the comments at a meeting next week.

The roadshows will take place at:

- The Mall, High Road, Ilford, on Thursday January 28, from 10am to 6pm.

- Ilford Central Library , Clements Road, Ilford, on Monday February 1, from 10.30am to 5pm

- Waitrose, High Road, South Woodford, on Tuesday February 9, from 11am to 7pm

- King George Hospital, Barley Lane, Goodmayes, Thursday February 11, from 10am to 6pm

For more information and to give your views, visit the Health for NEL website.