ELMSTEAD residents have backed a proposal to build a doctors’ surgery on green land in Wivenhoe.

A long-awaited new health centre for the town has hit delays recently in the search for a suitable location.

But a suggestion to use land at Millfields, known as Dene Park, has been given approval by neighbouring villagers.

Despite being in Wivenhoe the land, off Bowes Road, is owned by Elmstead Market Parish Council which surveyed its residents to see what they thought about using the field for a GP surgery.

Although only 40 residents responded, the vast majority approved of the idea.

The Millfield's site was suggested after it was revealed a preferred site next to the town's fire station, part of the green break between Wivenhoe and Essex University, would require houses to fund the scheme.