A BUSY doctors' surgery could be converted into a block of eight flats.

Patients of the popular London Road Surgery, which has five doctors and a wide range of services, were shocked to hear plans had been submitted for the one-bedroom flats.

Should they go ahead, the surgery will be forced out and patients could find themselves facing difficult journeys each time they make an appointment.

Diabetic patient Reg Quaif said: "It's ridiculous. I'd be very worried at the idea of it moving, because there are so many people who use it.

"It can take weeks to get appointments it's so busy."

The 78-year-old, of Lilac Avenue, added: "If they tried to close this before they'd set up proper alternatives for the patients it would be a disaster."

Edith White, 81, of London Road, agreed: "It's a wonderful surgery, and I've used it for many years, before it even moved to its current location.

"It's in a very convenient place and is very popular with people.

"If it moved somewhere else, people like myself would definitely struggle with transport."

Hitting out at the plans, she added: "We have enough flats in Wickford as it is. They are going up everywhere, and the last thing we need is even more of them.

"Services are already pushed to the maximum in places like in Wickford, and the traffic is almost unbearable."

The outline planning application to convert the surgery building was submitted to Basildon District Council in February and consultation papers were sent out to neighbours on Friday, with the closing date for comments on April 4.

No date has yet been set for the application to be heard.

A spokesperson for NHS South West Essex, which runs the surgery, said: "The London Road Surgery in Wickford is not owned by NHS South West Essex.

"The practice leases the building from a landlord.

"We understand that the lease is up for renewal in January 2011 so the practice is looking to make alternative arrangements.

"Patients will be kept fully informed once details are known."