NEW medical facilities could be built in a village after being earmarked for funding by health bosses.

Close to 300 GP schemes have been shortlisted by the NHS for funding, including a scheme for Tiptree Medical Centre which could see a new surgery built on land donated by iconic jam company Wilkin and Sons.

A spokesman for the North East Essex Clinical Commissioning Group said plans were at a very early stage, and the existing medical centre on Church Road could be extended.

He said: “We are committed to ensuring patients receive quality healthcare from buildings that are fit for purpose.

“However, no firm decision has yet been made about Tiptree Medical Centre.

“We will be assisting the Practice to undertake a review of potential sites to see what options would be available for a new development.

“An alternative option may include upgrading the existing building.”

John Elliott (Con), who represents Tiptree on Colchester Council said the village was desperate for more facilities.

He said: “The medical centre at the moment is simply not big enough to serve Tiptree, let alone the people who come in from the surrounding areas.

“There is a parcel of land near where Wilkin and Sons are based, which they are kindly willing to give up to be used as a medical centre.”

Mr Elliott said for some people it would be problematic to go to the edge of the village to use a GP surgery, but does not believe extending the centre would be feasible.

He said:“It would probably be the only appropriate space but there would be problems for some people who cannot drive to make it out to the edge of the village.

“But some people do struggle to get to the centre of Tiptree now.

“It would be good if the current site could be expanded, but there is shops there and housing above it which makes things more unlikely to happen, meaning the only option would be to go to the edge of the village.”