LEADING politicians have called on the Government to use £5million of 'levelling up' funds for a new health hub off Wycke Hill due to the proposed closure of St Peter’s Hospital.

Maldon MP Sir John Whittingdale, Witham’s MP Dame Priti Patel, and Maldon District Council have asked that the funds - which were originally allocated for “cultural levelling up” - be spent on improving Maldon’s health facilities.

On Monday, Dame Patel in Parliament said to the Levelling Up Minister: “Local communities across the Maldon district need new modern health facilities to provide the health services that our growing and ageing population needs.

“The plans by the NHS to close St Peters is causing widespread alarm and concern and for rural communities. This will mean having to travel further to receive important health treatments and access appointments and services.”.

She added: “We believe that the £5million of levelling up funding could make a real difference if the Government allows the council to use this money flexibly to fund new health facilities and enable us to keep services local.”

Maldon and Burnham Standard: Campaigners - Over 700 people attended a special spotlight this March at St Peter's Hospital to protest its planned closureCampaigners - Over 700 people attended a special spotlight this March at St Peter's Hospital to protest its planned closure (Image: Kevin Green)

Sir John said: “If local residents are to obtain maximum benefit then this would be far better used to help obtain the long-promised new health facilities in the town rather than for cultural projects”

“That is why we have written to the Minister to ask for greater flexibility in the use of the funds, as have the leaders of both Essex County Council and Maldon District Council.”

St Peter’s Hospital, in Spital Road, could potentially be put up for sale for £6.2 million if it is closed.

Maldon resident Amanda Jeary said the proposal was “absolutely dreadful” and highlighted the town’s need for the resources provided by St Peter’s.

Concerns have been previously raised about the 150-year-old community hospital which had its beds reduced from 22 to 16 a decade ago due to weight restrictions on the first and second floors.

An eight-week public consultation for St Peter’s Hospital began in January and following an extension, ended earlier this month.

Health bosses hoped the extended time would help them gain more public feedback to the consultation proposals.