NEW homes could replace a health centre in Shoebury, councillors fear.

South East Essex Primary Care Trust plans to build a state-of-the-art health centre in Shoebury, possibly at the garrison site.

This would mean the closure of the current health centre, in Campfield Road, which councillors fear could be lost to housing.

Shoebury councillors are now planning a meeting with the primary care trust to discuss the future of the centre in Campfield Road.

The primary care trust owns the building on the site, but the freehold is owned by Southend Council.

Councillor Mike Assen-heim (Ind, Shoebury) asked for assurances that the Campfield Road site would revert back to its intended use as a library, bowling green and tennis court, when the new health centre opens.

Mark Flewitt, the councillor responsible for social care, said the council was working with the trust to provide high quality health services to the whole of the borough, including Shoebury.

He added: "The trust has confirmed that at the moment there are no definite plans on what happens to the health centre site.

"But should it become vacant following improvements elsewhere in Shoebury, any existing covenants on the site would be taken into account as well as the terms of the lease.

"Clearly we would want to work with the trust to ensure the best services are provided in Shoebury and meet the needs of local people."

Mr Assenheim said he was pleased the joint meeting had now been arranged as residents had considerable concerns about the issue.

He added: "There is a real worry that if we do not keep a close eye on the situation then the site could finish up as more housing or flats we do not want.

"Shoebury is being concreted over and we need some open space left for the future."