Support is growing for a suspended GP whose future is hanging in the balance.

About 100 people have signed a petition in just two days calling for Dr Salah Garas's return to his surgeries in Golf Green Road, Jaywick, and Nayland Drive, Clacton.

It is hoped more names can be collected before the petition is handed in to Health bosses.

Sonia Gibson, 51, of Nayland Drive, who has been a patient of Dr Garas for about 15 years, said she would not rest until he was back at the practice.

"We have only just started but we have already collected about 100 signatures," she said.

"I will be out on the streets with my daughter, Joanna, and we will fill up the petitions, which will also be available at both surgeries."

She also intends to have them at Dot's newsagents in Jaywick, Camelia's in Rosemary Road, Clacton, and the papershop in Bluehouse Avenue.

Mrs Gibson is also considering contacting Harwich MP Ivan Henderson to see if there is anything he can do to help.

Dr Garas was originally suspended in September and appeared before a National Health Service Tribunal last month.

The North Essex Health Authority made an application to have him taken off the medical list.

A decision is expected in the next few weeks.

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