IN a little over three months’ time, the powers that be will finally set out their plans to replace Maldon’s St Peter’s Hospital.

The issue has been allowed to stagnate for several years with no organisation, be it the NHS or Maldon District Council seemingly able to take responsibility and press ahead with a project that is so obviously vital.

Finally, it seems that progress is going to be made.

Setting aside the fact that it may be a “health hub” with no inpatient services, it is long past time residents got the opportunity to influence what services will be available in the district, and what support will only be accessed by travelling to Chelmsford or elsewhere.

We also hope the responses given by most of the candidates vying to be Maldon constituency’s next MP on how they would address our healthcare challenges will help inform you when it comes to voting on June 8.

One thing is clear: whoever is successful would do well to prioritise our health when it comes to working through their inbox on June 9.