I was astonished to see the NHS walk-in centre in Middleborough, Colchester, had been closed.

During the past 12 months, I needed to have numerous blood tests and the choice was always to wait four days to book one in at my local surgery, or simply head into the town centre to get one done then and there.

I found the walk-in centre to be quick, efficient and easy to get to. I could cycle there, or use the bus to the stop right outside, or as a last resort there was the large car park across the road.

Now, we have a facility that is way off the beaten track, and highly inconvenient to everyone except the Turner Road residents.

This is the health service equivalent of useful, handy town-centre shops being replaced by out-oftown retail parks.

Barbara Williamson was exactly right to call it not a walk-in centre, but a drive-to centre, and it is a great shame for the people of Colchester.

Doug Smith
Van Dyck Road
Colchester