DENTAL practise Kennet River in Marlborough has shocked its patients after announcing it would close its doors at the end of the year.

The practise confirmed that its NHS contract will come to an end in December and mean all appointments made for 2019 have been cancelled.

A statement sent to patients said: “It is with deep regret that we announce that from December 31 2018, the Kennet River Dental Practise contract with NHS England comes to an end. Therefore, from this date we will no longer be offering dental services to patients." NHS England said it is committed to ensuring the local population has access to NHS dental treatment and expect to appoint a new NHS dentist in the area by the Spring.

In the meantime, alternative dentists may be found by calling NHS 111, or visiting the NHS website: https://www.nhs.uk/Service-Search/Dentist/LocationSearch/3