I HAVE been concerned, for a long time, about the issue of access to NHS dentistry, particularly in the New Forest area. Many residents across the area have told me that they simply can't find an NHS dentist willing to take them on as a new patient.

I called for health bosses to appear before the Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee of the county council when I found, six months ago, that the nearest NHS dentist to me was based in New Milton. I live in Totton. At that meeting I was assured things would get better quickly.

To check on progress, I called the NHS Helpline, (0845 0508345). After a ten minute wait, I spoke to a very pleasant but apologetic operative who told me that the nearest available NHS dentists for residents in Totton are in Andover or Titchfield! To save everyone else who lives in Totton the bother of calling I'm told that perhaps an extra 20 places might become available in Totton at some time in the new year.

This situation is absolutely unacceptable. The Primary Care Trust is failing to deliver in this very important area.

DAVID HARRISON, town, district and county councillor, Totton.