A blue plaque for a medical practitioner who saved countless lives by improving sanitation across the district during the Victorian era will be unveiled next month.

Dr Joseph Clegg (1820-1901) was a GP for Epping when death tolls for typhoid and cholera reached crisis point in 1853.

After campaigning for more than 20 years to the Home Office for fresh water and sanitation he was granted the Water Tower built in 1872.

Epping Town Council announced the decision to commemorate Dr Clegg October last year.

Cllr Wendy Clarke said: “I felt that it was right to commemorate his hard work and fight so I appealed to the council for a blue plaque in his honour.

“We hope that you can join us on this occasion and for drinks and coffee at The Duke Of Wellington after, more details to follow.”

Dr Clegg also fought to save the forest and was president of the Epping Association for the Prosecution of Felons

The unveiling will take place at the Water Tower, March 8, 3.30pm.