Parish councillors have strongly objected for plans to turn a surgery into housing.

At a meeting last Thursday, Tolleshunt D’Arcy Parish Council considered an application for a change of use of the old surgery building.

Chairman Jack Birkin said: “We deplored the loss of the surgery, a valuable resource we have had many years in D’Arcy, and felt that the premises should be retained as a place for a suitable business or facility, providing some employment and service.

“In the last few years we have lost two pubs and a garage and our post office has been reduced to a visiting part-time operation.

“In the same period there have been 40-50 additional dwellings.

“We need to keep some of the things we still have and encourage others to come.”