PLANS are being discussed to bring healthcare services into Basildon Town Centre.

Basildon Council, along with the Basildon Hospital Trust and Clinical Commissioning Group, are considering bringing a range of hospital services to the centre of the town, away from the main hospital.

The ideas are being mooted to act as a way to boost footfall and interest in the town centre.

It has been highlighted in a report due to go before the council's neighbourhoods and public spaces committee next week.

The report said: "As part of this work, options will be considered seeking opportunities to provide health facilities within the town centre. Land use considerations are being developed in consultation with healthcare stakeholders, including the CCG and BTUH.

"Considerations will include the aspiration for relocation of ‘non acute’ services away from the hospital campus and into the town centre.

"This will result in the provision of new modern facilities as well as welcome boost to visitors and footfall into the town centre."

'Non-acute' services refer to those outside of surgical procedures, such as substance abuse treatment centres, nursing homes, dialysis centres, rehabilitation facilities and psychiatric clinics.

The plans come off the back of the council expressing an interest in removing 1,000 car parking spaces from the town centre and driving more pedestrian and cycling routes for the centre to keep people visiting.