A HEALTH trust has said it is still in talks to build a health centre in Wickford.

The South West Essex Primary Care Trust said it was working with residents and Basildon Council, to make sure the new health centre went ahead.

Plans for the centre are currently part of the £120million Wickford Masterplan, which has put back the plans to consider a developer for the project.

A report made to the trust’s board said building work on the centre should start in August next year, with services starting from February 2012. Ruth Ainsworth, a trust spokeswoman, said: “The plans for the redevelopment of Wickford health centre are at a very early stage.

“We will continue to work with the public and our partners to ensure any redevelopment plans meet the needs of local residents.”

The trust has outlined the options for the health centre, from upgrading the current health centre in Market Road, Wickford, to building a new one on the same site.

Services at the site would include minor surgery, foot care, X-rays, physiotherapy, counselling and dentistry.