MORE than 2,000 people have signed a petition, calling for more dentists to serve the population of two villages.

Families in Hawkwell and Hockley say they have been frustrated for decades by a shortage of local NHS dentists.

A petition, signed by more than 2,000 people was yesterday sent to health minister Rosie Winterton, calling for more money to fund extra NHS dentists.

Brian Guyett, 58, of Tonbridge Road, Hockley, is chairman of the town's residents' association, the group behind the petition.

He said the action started last year after South East Essex Primary Care Trust claimed there was no demand for extra NHS dentists.

Mr Guyett added: "This was despite the White Hart Lane Dental Practice telling the trust its existing two dentists were more than fully occupied and constant demands from residents for additional dentists.

"The White Hart Lane practice only opened two years ago, as the only one to offer full NHS dentist services to people in the Hawkwell, Hockley, Ashingdon and Rochford areas. But its books were immediately full.

"The practice has space for four treatment rooms and has been seeking to expand, but has been prevented from doing so by lack of funding from the PCT.

"Both Hawkwell and Hockley's residents' associations have been collecting signatures and now have more than 2,000 people, requesting an extra NHS dentist."

Trust spokesman Angela Wong Keet said "We would reassure patients access to dentistry continues to be a top priority.

"Following the merger of the two trusts, a full review of services is planned.

"This will include an assessment of the needs of the population of Hockley and Hawkwell, although this cannot be considered in isolation to all other areas."