LABOUR’S General Election candidate Tim Young said he feared the erosion of services at Clacton Hospital could lead to the site being closed.

It is understood it cost the North-East Essex Clinical Commissioning Group £100,000 to set up the Durban ward in November last year.

Despite it being hailed a success, it will still be closed.

Mr Young said: “This is yet another example of services at Clacton Hospital being withdrawn or undermined.

"It also reveals the fragmentation of the NHS that has occurred under the Tory-led Government with too many organisations involved.

"I really worry if the Tories are part of the next government, further reductions in service will be made at Clacton Hospital with the ultimate scenario being total.”

Douglas Carswell, Ukip’s parliamentary candidate, said: “At the moment, people with conditions like MS need rehabilitation.

“They are dependent on the ward and if it goes it is fantasy to pretend that at-home care is going to fill the gap.”

  • Mr Young and Mr Carswell will be contesting the Clacton seat against Chris Southall (Green), David Grace (Lib Dem) and Giles Watling (Con).