CAMPAIGNERS against the potential move of a GP surgery met to sing protest carols.

Residents in Burnham and members of the Burnham Save Our Surgery group met outside the surgery in Foundry Lane on Saturday, December 23.

They sang adapted versions of classic Christmas carols with new lyrics expressing their frustrations over talks to move the existing surgery to a new building on the Burnham Waters development, 1.5 miles away.

Maldon and Burnham Standard: Signing: residents signed a giant card for the surgerySigning: residents signed a giant card for the surgery (Image: Claire White)

New lyrics included “We all love Burnham Surgery, so leave it alone” to the tune of We Wish You a Merry Christmas.

As well as enjoying mince pies and mulled drinks, they signed a giant Christmas card in support of the surgery.

They also turned the Christmas carol of Gaudete into a song about the walk along the main road that many would have to take if the surgery is moved.

Maldon and Burnham Standard: Signs: Save Our Surgery signsSigns: Save Our Surgery signs (Image: Burnham Save Our Surgery)

The lyrics were changed to “Or walk along the Maldon Road, miles of pain and torment, leave as early as you can and don’t miss your appointment.”

Residents of Burnham recently protested against the move by walking the three-mile round trip in a show of solidarity.

About 200 residents were estimated to have taken part in the protest march.

Maldon and Burnham Standard: Carols: residents sung adapted Christmas carolsCarols: residents sung adapted Christmas carols (Image: Burnham Save Our Surgery)

Karen, a member of the Burnham Save Our Surgery group, said: “The surgery appreciation event was a fun way of drawing the GPs' attention to patients' opposition to their NHS surgery moving to the Burnham Waters private development, which would make their business much more attractive to potential buyers and investors.

"As our lyrics went - 'It’s All About the Money'.”