I congratulate Scarborough for their new NHS dentist's surgery. ('Clinic fills gap in service', February 16).

In the early Nineties I was told in no uncertain terms that my NHS treatment was not wanted, unless I went private or joined an insurance scheme. So I had to move on.

When asked why I was told: "Because there was not enough money to be made from the NHS".

Pounds before patients, again.

Well done Scarborough.

RS Pearson,

Towthorpe Road,

Haxby, York.

Updated: 10:48 Thursday, February 19, 2004