Villagers have been left in limbo as the NHS refuses to disclose its plans in advance of a surgery closure.

Tolleshunt D’Arcy Parish Council has written to NHS England offering its village hall as a base following the closure of the GP surgery when a lease runs out at the end of this month.

Despite the fast-approaching closure, an NHS England East spokesman would only say: “NHS England is currently working with the GP partners of the practice to find a solution for the patients of the Tollesbury Practice that are seen at the Tolleshunt D’Arcy branch surgery.”

Nearly 4,000 people are registered as patients at Tolleshunt D’Arcy surgery in Church Street.

MP Priti Patel has thrown her weight behind the villagers’ campaign to retain a surgery.

She said: “Travelling to Tollesbury for a GP appointment will be difficult for many residents in the village, especially the elderly, and I have been pressing NHS England to reconsider this matter.

“It is important that there is some GP provision in the village and residents will continue to have my support.”