A LADIES group has added its support to the campaign to keep urology cancer surgery in Colchester.

The Peldon, Abberton and Wigborough Society has collected more than 250 signatures on the Gazette petition.

The group, which meets once a month at Peldon Village Hall, as well as organising trips and outings, said the cause was one which was close to their hearts.

Under guidelines issued by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, there will only be one centre for urology cancer surgery for Essex.

Colchester and Southend University Hospital NHS foundation trusts are expected to apply to take the service on. The Gazette is supporting the Colchester bid and has collected more than 4,000 signatures of support.

We will present the petition and coupons to Alan Rose, chairman of the Colchester hospital trust board and consultant urologist John Corr.

The community support will be added to the trust’s submission to NHS England.

Could all petition forms please be sent to the Gazette, Unit 1, Brunel Court, Brunel Road, Severalls Industrial Estate, Colchester, CO4 9PX by August 10.

To sign the online petition, click HERE.