CRUNCH talks have been organised over fears an over-populated area is struggling to cope with the sudden closure of a GP surgery.

Westborough Road Health Centre, in Westcliff, shut last week after its only GP- Dr Sankar Bhattacharjee- quit immediately due to ill health.

The 3,592 patients registered at Westborough Road have been automatically transferred to the Carnarvon Road Surgery- two miles away in Southend.

Julie Farrow, chairman of Westborough Residents Association, said an emergency meeting is being held due to serious concerns about the impact of the closure.

She said: “I think it’s just beginning to dawn on some people.

“The emergency meeting will give worried residents the chance to find out what their rights are.

“I spoke to Valkyrie Surgery, in Westcliff, and they have been planning for this for months but they didn’t expect Dr Bhattacharjee to walk out and give up his practice altogether.

“I’m worried for anyone in this area that has to find a doctor. People will struggle to get appointments, it’s going to be a real problem.

“Carnarvon Road is not just round the corner.”

Julian Ware Lane, councillor for Milton ward, was a patient at Westbotough Road for 40 years.

He said: “I had a serious illness and Dr Bhattacharjee gave me first class treatment. A lot of people like the smaller doctors with more personal treatment.

“There is a geographical issue in that it served a very densely populated part of the borough.”

David Webb, 40, of Fairmead Avenue, Westcliff, added: “ feel sorry for the elderly and the people with young children.

“Some patients can’t afford travel.