A NATIONAL Health dental service for Tenbury could soon be up and running if a new practice in the town receives the go-ahead.

Following the decision to close the only NHS practice in town to all but children and low income groups last November, campaigners have been pushing for a replacement and a public petition was raised.

Swift action by Alan McMichael, the Primary Care Trust Consultant for Dental Public Health, included a 'Golden Hello' cash offer to any dentists willing to take on a NHS practice in Tenbury, advertisements in the Dental Practice Magazine and a mobile dental surgery at Tenbury Hospital.

A dentist with a large practice in Worcester has now applied to Malvern Hills District Council for change of use planning permission at 51 Teme Street and case officer Andrew Moody is hopeful.

He said: "The premises are domestic and off the street. If Highways don't object it is the logical place for it. Doctors, dentists and similar practices should be in the centre of town."

Alan McMichael added: "We badly need a NHS dentist in Tenbury and the applicant has shown a keen interest in setting up a practice and we are supporting his application. We will help him all we can.

"This is very good news all round, and I can categorically state that there will be no backtracking of our plans for a fully equipped dental surgery at Tenbury Hospital.

"We are expecting a mid-summer opening and I would like to see it all working together to benefit the community."

Malvern Hills district and town councillor George Price has continued to pursue the matter with South Worcestershire Primary Care Trust.

He said: "This is very good news for Tenbury and, subject to clearing the planning stages, expectations are high.

"If all goes well our town can look forward to first-class NHS dental cover," he added.