COUNCILLORS have pledged to put pressure on health chiefs from every angle amid fears over the future of GP surgeries in Frinton and Walton.

The surgeries have been struggling to attract permanent doctors and have become short-staffed.

But in a meeting with Frinton and Walton Town Council, managers of the surgeries revealed to councillors that the number of staff members would drop even further in the new year.

By the end of January Frinton’s Caradoc Surgery will be down to one full-time doctor and two practice nurses.

Walton’s surgery will also drop down to four doctors.

Temporary locums are being brought in on a regular basis to make up the shortfall at vast financial cost, but that has been described as a temporary solution.

Walton councillor Delyth Miles said: “This is a very serious concern. It affects every one of us and our thousands of residents.

“It is a frightening situation to find ourselves in. This puts the health of our area at risk and that is terrifying.”

The town councillors vowed to attack the problem on as many fronts as possible.

They will write to NHS England outlining the seriousness of the situation and appealing for help, as well as having the surgery status scrutinised by Tendring Council.

Councillors will also be appointed to work with the surgeries and patient groups.