A decision has yet to be made on where to house a new doctor’s surgery in Great Yeldham.

Health bosses had planned to build a practice on the green at Whitlock Drive, but residents campaigned to keep the area for recreation.

After years of wrangling and delays, the now defunct NHS Mid Essex primary care trust carried out a public consultation in February last year asking for people’s views on three sites.

Whitlock Drive remained the preferred option, but the suggested alternatives were Nun’s Walk and the empty police station in High Street.

Great Yeldham Parish Council, which owns the green, asked Braintree Council to change its designation from community use to open space, which it did in June last year, seemingly throwing the plans back up in the air.

NHS England, which has taken on responsibility for assessing the options, has admitted a decision has still yet to be made but insisted it remains committed to the project.

Ian Stidston, director of commissioning for NHS England Essex, said: “NHS England is in discussion with local GPs on current options.

“No decision has been made on the future of GP provision in Great Yeldham.

“We appreciate that this delay is frustrating for residents but NHS England are committed to commissioning high quality primary care services for the locality.”