COUNTY councillor Andy Tree is campaigning for better NHS dental services in Whitehill, Bordon and Lindford.

Cllr Tree, who has spent six months on a waiting list for NHS treatment, said: "I regularly see posts come up on Facebook from frustrated local residents who cannot find a dentist.

"I have called all practices in the area. Despite the fact Covid-19 has affected matters, and I am told it has led to delays, I am still able to get a private appointment ’next week’.

"Therefore my options appear to be pay for a private check-up and treatment, or wait until I have a serious problem and then call 111, potentially allowing a minor discomfort to become much worse. This not only means my health would deteriorate, but the emergency treatment would surely cost the NHS more overall.

"Not everyone has the luxury of being able to afford to go private, and also not everyone can travel. This leaves the 111 option, which is wholly unacceptable as a standard solution for the masses.

"I think this is actually a very serious matter and a ticking time-bomb for dental health."

Cllr Tree emailed his concerns to NHS England and NHS Dental Services and is waiting for a response - but he is also pursuing the matter through his county council role.

He said: "I have been advised that the health and adult social care select committee that I am a member of does have some oversight. As a result of this, I asked for it to be put on the agenda for a meeting this year. I am pleased to say that I have been told there will be an update and presentation, which will be very interesting."