DEFIANT villagers are to swim across the River Colne in protest at plans to shut their doctor's dispensary.

An application has been made for a new pharmacy in Station Road, Wivenhoe, which puts the dispensary at Rowhedge doctors' surgery under threat - even though the 1.6 km measurement is across the River Colne..

Villagers, including grandmothers Elizabeth Trellis, 74, and Jo Brennan, 68, are to swim the river to highlight the issue.

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