A TOWN council has launched ambitious plans to fix the crippling healthcare crisis in Frinton and Walton by building its own medical centre.

Frinton and Walton Town Council could take out a multi-million pound loan to create a state-of-the-art surgery.

It would be managed by the council rather than a partnership of doctors.

And councillors have identified Elm Tree Avenue as a suitable central site for the building.

They have launched the plan in response to a doctor shortage crisis in the area which has stretched current surgeries to breaking point.

Deputy mayor Jack Robertson said: “It has got to a point where something must happen and I think as a council we have to take the lead.

“I want this council to take out a public loan and build the surgery and manage it ourselves.

“It is an enormous undertaking and we need the passion to do this and see it through, but I think we need to stand up and be counted and put our money where our mouths are."

Residents have been struggling to make appointments due to the doctor shortage.

It is hoped a new state-of-the-art facility would help attract doctors to the area.

Councillors have warned there is a long way to go before a new surgery could come to fruition.

The clerk was tasked with drawing together the relevant costs and loan information to bring back to the council and kick off the process.