CAMPAIGNERS have welcomed plans to increase the number of parking spaces at a new multimillion-pound GP surgery.

The £2million facility in Market Road, Wickford, will replace the existing London Road surgery in the town.

Basildon Council wants to increase the proposed number of parking spaces from 20 to 24 following a backlash from critics.

The Echo can reveal a security barrier could also be put in place to stop shoppers and commuters illegally parking at the surgery.

Work is on schedule for a July opening.

The news has been welcomed by campaigners, who have long expressed fears that parking in the original plans was not sufficient. Their objections even saw the plans thrown out in April 2015 - before they were then approved two months later.

David Harrison, mayor of Basildon and leader of the Wickford Independents, said: “I knew the parking proposed would be insufficient, and that is how it has turned out.

“I think it’s good that the London Road Surgery is getting a new facility in the centre of Wickford, but it’s a shame it comes at a time when healthcare in the town is suffering badly.”

Stuart Spears, principal planning officer at the council said: “The inclusion of the access road within the health facility site allows the layout of the previously approved car park to be revised to increase parking provision, four of which would be designed for disabled users.

“A security barrier would be introduced to the access road to assist in the management of the use of the car park.”

It comes after the Basildon and Brentwood Clinical Commissioning Group announced the blood testing service, which currently takes place at the Wickford Health Centre, will move to St Mary’s Church Hall, in Runwell, from Thursday, May 18.

Wickford, which has about 33,000 residents, will soon be left with just five GP surgeries. The Swan Lane Practice is set to close permanently following a row over its lease. The Robert Frew Medical Partners branch in Franklins Way, Wickford, has also announced it is closing due to staffing problems.