A SHORTAGE of NHS dental services has been highlighted by Burnley MP Peter Pike.

He told Secretary of State for Health Alan Milburn: "It is not acceptable to be offered a dentist in Barnoldswick, Colne or Accrington for those living in Burnley."

Mr Pike also referred to the difficulties in recruiting GPs locally and said many GP surgeries needed improving and making disabled access.

Mr Milburn said the issues involved were very much priorities of the government.

One thousand surgeries were being improved nationally and he undertook to look at any local problems.

Mr Pike is to meet the Primary care Group and the new Primary Care Trust early in the new year to discuss the local issues.