PEOPLE power has triumphed after it was decided two doctors' surgeries were here to stay.

The two GP surgeries, in Leecon Way, Rochford, and Hawkwell Park Drive, Hawkwell, had been earmarked for closure by South East Essex Primary Care Trust.

However, a trust board meeting decided not to shut the surgeries after members were deluged with complaints. This included a petition signed by more than a thousand concerned patients.

Chris Wiseman, who had spearheaded the patients' campaign, told the board: "There was no communication. I would suggest that, for an organisation that says it prides itself on patients at the centre of your decision making, you have sadly left us very much alone."

Katherine Kirk, board chairman, said communication had broken down when the Southend, Castle Point and Rochford trusts merged last October.

She said the trust had secured a 15-year lease on both surgeries but could not promise that they would remain open indefinitely.

Lorraine Cabel, the trust's interim chief executive, said: "We don't have a crystal ball that will say this service will always be provided in these buildings."

The two surgeries will now be managed by the trust until they can be put out to tender, which is expected to happen in the next six to nine months.

Jim Perrott, a patient at the the Hawkwell surgery, said: "If it's not broke, don't fix it. We have an excellent service from our doctor and our staff. It must be the best in Hockley and Hawkwell.

"Why can't we just carry on with it? Why does it have to be tendered out?"

Many patients have already moved to other practices, after a letter from the trust in February recommended them to do so.

Rayleigh MP Mark Francois said he had been deluged with calls and e-mails from patients who did not want to be dispersed to other practices.

Speaking after the meeting, he said: "I think that common sense has prevailed here and the PCT have given a commitment both to me and my constituents that they will maintain the surgeries while also looking for a long-term solution.

"It's nice to see the PCT listening to the people and I commend them for having had the courage to change their mind."

Mrs Kirk said later: "The feedback we have received to continue providing GP services has been overwhelming.

"On behalf of the board, I would like to say we are sorry for any anxiety that may have been caused."