LEADING district councillors are set to comment on proposed changes to mental health services in north Essex.

Tendring Council's cabinet will discuss the plans, which include a recommendation to close Clacton's Peter Bruff ward or a unit at the Lakes at Colchester General Hospital, when it meets on Wednesday*sep 5*.

It will add its thoughts to the consultation process being carried by West Essex Primary Care Trust (PCT).

In a report to cabinet, officers have suggested four points they should put forward to health bosses: The report does not provide appropriate information about the scale, type and future of mental health problems in Clacton The council does not support any ward closures unless an alternative system has proved to be substantially better for all residents in Tendring The proposals appear to be based on cost savings and not clinical care The proposals do not recognise the travel and isolation problems that relatives and patients would face is services were moved to Colchester The report by Roger Stewart, Tendring Council's assistant chief executive, added: "It is very clear any justifiable beds closures should follow rather than precede improvements to services, desirable though it is to avoid patients needing to be hospitalised.

"Moreover, there is every reason to keep beds available in Clacton and Colchester so patients and their visitors can be served in their communities."

The consultation ends on Friday, September 7.

The Gazette has supported a 10,000-name petition to save the Peter Bruff ward at Clacton District Hospital which health campaigners have handed to the Government and West Essex PCT.