WORK on Chesham's new £6million Healthzone will finally start in August – seven months behind schedule.

Crucial contracts which delayed building work have now been signed, health bosses said today.

Builders had been due to start constructing the new centre, which will provide clinical rooms, GP rooms and treatment rooms, in January.

Legal wranglings led to the start date being delayed three times.

Richard Mills, director of strategy and system reform at NHS Buckinghamshire told a board meeting this afternoon: “We have instructed our solicitors to complete the land transfer to the developers. That will be completed very shortly after the second of August.

“The plans of the developer are to move machinery onto the site and recommence work during the latter part of August.

“They are as keen as we are to get going as soon as possible.

“That is a milestone for Chesham and I know it is going to be a very exciting facility.”

Work at the site in Berkhampstead Road is expected to take 15 months. It will replace Chesham Hospital, which was closed in 2005.

Cllr Isobel Darby, Chiltern District Council's cabinet member for health and housing said at today's board meeting: “We look forward to seeking the facilities for our residents as soon as possible because goodness knows we deserve them.”