A petition carrying more than 800 names has been handed to health bosses by residents fighting for a GPs' surgery in their community.

Residents say it is desperately needed at Sovereign Harbour, Eastbourne. They want a surgery, empty for the past four years at Limousin House in Kingsmere, brought back into use.

Organiser Margaret Salsbury yesterday met Mary Colato of Eastbourne Downs Primary Care Trust (PCT) to hand over the document.

She said: "They told us the surgery as it stands is not viable as a health centre.

"We accept that but hopefully something can be done soon to change that. The situation is desperate."

David May, head of primary care at Eastbourne Downs PCT, said: "We had a constructive meeting with residents and were able to reassure them regarding their concerns."