A CAMPAIGNER launched a one-woman fact-finding mission outside Essex County Hospital ahead of its impending closure.

The hospital, in Lexden Road, is due to go on the market in October ahead of its closure next spring, and is likely to be sold for housing.

Annesley Hardy, who lives in nearby The Avenue, wants residents to have a bigger say on what happens there in the future.

She stood outside the hospital during opening hours for three days asking people what they would like to see at the site.

See Tuesday's Gazette for the full story