CAMPAIGNERS were today celebrating after winning an 18-month battle to save a dental surgery from closure.

Mersea Road Dental Surgery, in Colchester, was told it would no longer be able to treat NHS patients because there was enough capacity elsewhere.

Colchester councillor Dave Harris set up a petition to save the surgery, which cannot survive without NHS patients.

It was signed by 347 people online and hundreds more at the surgery.

The surgery has 1,200 patients and is run by Prettygate Dental.

Mr Harris said: “I have just been told via an email NHS England is now withdrawing its objection and it isn’t going to leave Prettygate Dental Mersea Road surgery.

“We have won.”

Mr Harris said he thought the U-turn was due to NHS England taking into account patients’ views.

The surgery had also appealed NHS England’s proposal.

Patients who could have been affected included those living in Monkwick, Birch Glen, Lethe Grove, Friday Wood Green, Holt Drive and the Willows.

Mr Harris added: “NHS England shouldn’t ride roughshod over us and it hasn’t.

“I am hopeful for a rosy future for it.”

Surgery director Yogesh Dasoar said: “We welcome the news that NHS England has provided a permanent NHS dental service for the patients of Berechurch ward.

“Although it’s been a difficult few years, with constant uncertainty, we are delighted patients now have a guaranteed NHS dental service in their area.

“We would like to thank all those who supported us and those who championed our cause.

“A big thanks goes out to councillor Dave Harris, our loyal patients and our dedicated dental team