CA COUNCILLOR from Lawford has added his support to calls to keep a life-saving urology cancer centre in Colchester.

The National Institute for Clinical Excellence said cancer surgery centres should serve a population of at least one million people – and that means there should only be one urology unit in Essex.

Bids to run the service are due to be made next month, with the two contenders expected to be Colchester and Southend.

Essex county and Tendring district councillor Carlo Guglielmi underwent surgery at Colchester General Hospital after being diagnosed with bladder cancer.

He said: “The team was absolutely marvellous, they saved my life.”

Mr Guglielmi, who lives at and runs Lawford Post Office, was first diagnosed in 2012.

He said: “Many people needing urology surgery are aged over 55 and there are more elderly people in this district than anywhere else.

“I fully understand the Government asking for a specialist centre where there is a population of more than one million. However, it is difficult for people living in north Essex, much of which is rural, to get to Southend.

“It is easier for people in Southend to access services in London if they can’t get to Colchester.”