THE revelation that Maldon has one of the fastest growing elderly populations in the country has sparked renewed calls for more healthcare investment.

The number of people aged 65 or over in the district has risen by 45 per cent from 10,211 in 2005 to 14,876 by mid-2015. The Office for National Statistics reveal nearly a quarter of the population are now 65 or over, up from 17 per cent in 2005.

Maldon’s figures are one of the largest increases in the UK.

The news has caused retired Maldon residents to call for a better standard of healthcare in the town.

Both of the town’s GP surgeries have introduced temporary blocks on their patient lists, while there are concerns about the future of the town’s hospital.

Retired Maldon resident Alec Hopkins, 72, said: “My only comment that comes to hand about life here is the NHS care, it’s under huge demand and stress.

Apart from that, Maldon is a brilliant place to live.

“I’ve been here for 20 odd years and love the people and the area.”

Monica Marsh, of Fambridge Road, Maldon, also 72, was left in limbo in August last year when she was told by Maylandsea Surgery she may have to register with a local doctor in Maldon, despite them temporarily not taking on patients.

She said: “Maldon is a great place to live. It has a lovely High Street, shops, pubs, coffee shops, promenade and people, but there’s a huge difficulty with overwhelmed doctors’ surgeries which are working to capacity.

“How can they possibly take on new patients that move into the area when they’re already so stretched?

It’s a huge worry.

“I guess other small towns may have the same problem, due to the N huge pressures on NHS nationwide.”