CONCERNS have been raised around the provision of dental care in a town after a provider shut its doors.

Bupa Dental Care in St George’s Street, Millom, shut its doors for the final time after the practice was unable to recruit permanent dentists to the branch.

Claire Pearson, Regional Operations Director at Bupa Dental Care, said: “We’ve taken the difficult decision to close our dental practice in Millom.

“Despite our best efforts we’ve been unable to recruit permanent dentists to our Millom practice due to the critical national shortage of dentists to deliver NHS care.

“I’d like to assure patients that we’re working with the NHS to help them find a new dentist.”

And there was significant worry that it might mean an already tough dental situation is made harder.

Chris Fletcher said: "Insane.

"After two years in Barrow, I still can't register my girls."

Rudes Pickering agreed: "Seriously - dentists are closing and I can't even get in one with my three children."

Tina Maria Susan Jackson said: "Hope all the staff get another job ok, all the best for the future."

Gary Harvey said: "Firstly, what dentist would want to come up to the back of beyond?

"There are better pickings down south."

Carol Davies said: "Very sad - good luck to all the staff."

This was a very common sentiment.

Tracey Clark said: "Good luck to all the staff."

Trudy Harrison, MP for Copeland, said she was working with Government ministers to address the ongoing issues around the local of dental provision in the Millom area.

And Bob Kelly, a Millom Town councillor, raised concerned the dental practice’s closure will mean there will be no dental support for residents in Millom.