Plans to move Southend ambulance station to a new site at the Tesco superstore in Westcliff have have been delayed.

Expansion plans at Southend Hospital mean the town's ambulance station in Cardigan Avenue has to move from the site by early next year.

Essex Ambulance Service NHS Trust board members heard yesterday a plan to build a new station at Tesco in Prince Avenue, Westcliff, is still its first choice.

But this is not likely to come to fruition until late 2002.

The existing ambulance site is earmarked for the planned new breast unit, due to be built next year.

The ambulance trust hopes to reach agreement for the station and staff to remain on the existing site in demountable buildings on a temporary basis - up to 15 months.

Trust finance director Brian Shipley said: "It's a fairly fast driving situation.

"Tesco have agreed to build the shell. Whether they then sell it to us, or lease it to us or get a developer to lease it to us, we do not know at this stage. The Tesco site is in the right place.

"We are also talking to a developer who may buy the site and lease it back to us, either at Tesco or another site."

Another plan to relocate to Southchurch Road in Southend has been abandoned after a bid by the trust to buy land there failed.

Mr Shipley said they are also looking at using the Wellesley Hospital on Eastern Avenue on a temporary basis.

Board members heard it will cost the trust thousands to move, especially as the hospital currently meets most of the running costs of the station including rates, gas and electricity.

The cost of a station at Tesco could cost up to £850,000.

By Tania Cocksedge

Reporter's e-mail: tania_cocksedge@thisisessex.co.uk

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