I understand the worry that this is causing for local people.

My office have spoken to the co-owner of the Verne Road practice who has confirmed that the decision is a business decision based on a lack of profitability for this particular practice. He has pointed out the failings of the historic dental contract which he says is no longer fit for purpose.

This government inherited a shocking situation where around 13 million people were unable to access proper dental care. We are working to reform the contract but it must deliver improvements primarily for patients as well as for dentists. I realise that while that process is underway it does bring little comfort to local residents in this situation.

As well as speaking with the co-owner of the practice we have also spoken to the Integrated Care Board which is responsible for delivering dental services. They are seeking a meeting with the practice owners as a matter of urgency to see what can be done to alleviate the situation.

Dental practices are usually private businesses who each April receive a contract from the NHS to deliver NHS services based on local need. The ICB are seeking, in line with our commitment to provide more appointments, to improve access as quickly as possible. If that does not mean practices like Verne Road continuing to provide those services then other local practices may be able to do so.

Apart from speaking to the practice co-owner we are speaking to the ICB urging them to meet to see if a resolution can be found and also to encourage them to continue to provide urgent treatments at least. I would also urge them if possible to see that NHS treatment for children continues.

There is a timeframe which allows options to be explored and then delivered.

I will be providing updates wherever possible not least because I appreciate the distress situations such as this cause.