RYEDALE MP Kevin Hollinrake has said he is 'chasing a solution' following the closure of Bondgate Dental Surgery in Helmsley.

Patients of the practice were sent a letter last month from NHS England saying the NHS dental contract had ended and the surgery has now closed.

Over 260 local residents have since joined a Facebook group, Save Helmsley Dentists, calling for the practice to be reopened.

Concerns have been expressed at the long waiting lists for other NHS dentists, the distance to travel and the cost of going private.

Mr Hollinrake MP for Thirsk and Malton said: "I am chasing a solution to the closure of Bondgate Dental Surgery in Helmsley on a daily basis. NHS England has committed to commissioning a temporary local solution for NHS patients using existing dental surgeries in Kirkbymoorside and Pickering. These services should be up and running by the end of October. NHS England is also looking to commission a permanent replacement as soon as possible. I have been approached by an experienced North Yorkshire provider and am recommending that NHS do whatever they can to carry out the relevant processes and, subject to this, to implement this option.

"In the meantime, if you need emergency dental treatment you should contact the NHS or try to find a private dentist who can add you to their list."