CAMPAIGNERS battling to save minor injuries units from closure will stage a major protest march next week.

Health leaders from the North East Essex Clinical Commissioning Group are reviewing the service provided at walk-in and minor injuries units in north Essex.

One option is to close the services provided in Colchester, Harwich and Clacton while another is to set up a new unit serving Colchester and Tendring.

A third option is to leave all three as they are.

Thousands of people have signed petitions calling for the under-threat services to remain open and demonstrations are now being staged in Clacton and Harwich where concerns one of the units could be scrapped in favour of Colchester’s.

A march is being staged by Clacton Labour Party to protest against cuts.

Harwich and Manningtree Standard:

Site two - Harwich Minor Injuries Unit at Fryatt Memorial Hospital

Su Butcher said: “The march has been inspired by the depth of feeling shown at our recent petitioning sessions. We want to give people the chance to make their feelings known.

“Everyone is invited to come on the march and bring their own banners and placards.”

Campaigners will meet on Clacton seafront at Victoria Road on February 25 at 11.30am before marching past the hospital to the Martello coach park.

Campaigners in Harwich will also hold a protest outside an engagement meeting over the plans at the Electric Palace cinema, in Kings Quay Street on the same day.

Protesters will meet at 10.30am to demonstrate the strength of feeling.

All the main political parties are campaigning to save the unit in Clacton.

More than 3,000 have signed a petition organised by the non-party political Tendring Pensioners’ Action Group.

Spokesman Mike Le Cornu said: “Our view is residents here in Tendring know what sort of medical services we want.

“We did inform the Health Secretary a few years ago we really need a new hospital for Clacton but that was never taken on.

“We have toned that down to say we want to see these minor injuries units become walk-in centres with enhanced medical facilities.

“The message is quite clear. People don’t want these units closed in any way whatsoever. We want to see a proper service to provide the necessary facilities.”

More than 1,200 people have also signed a petition opposing any closure of the walk-in centre in Colchester. Consultation will continue until March 1.

Anyone wanting to comment can do so via the website www.neessexccg.nhs.uk.