THE chairman of Highbridge Chamber of Trade said he feels ‘extremely sad’ after a dental practice announced it will be closing its doors amid recruitment troubles and increased running costs.

The practice team at Mydentist on Market Street wrote to hundreds of patients last week to tell them the practice will be closing for good on September 30.

People on the company’s books have been advised to transfer to practices in Bridgwater, Street or Weston-super-Mare. or sign up to alternative practices that provide NHS services.

Mike Murphy, chairman of Highbridge Chamber of Trade, said he thinks the practice’s closure will be a loss to the town.

“I am extremely sad to hear about the dental practice closing,” Mr Murphy said.

“It is the only NHS dentists in Highbridge and has definitely given a good service to its patients over the years.

“It means people are going to be lost to Burnham-on-Sea.

“I am sorry about the people who will have lost their jobs as a result of this.”

Despite the sad news Mr Murphy said The Chamber of Trade is ‘looking on the bright side’ and said he has hopes a new business will occupy the soon-to-be empty practice.

“At the Chamber we have to look at the bigger picture and think positively,” Mr Murphy said.

“It is really sad that the practice is closing and that people are losing their jobs but it would be a really nice premises for a new business.

“ It would work really well as office space or storage space for a new business.

“We are going through difficult times on the high street at the moment there is no question but we have managed to sustain growth here in Highbridge.

“There are no shops for rent in Highbridge at the moment.

“Anyone looking for a business to rent has not been able to find anywhere to go.

“This venue could offer a new business the chance to come into Highbridge and trade which will only help the high street and the local economy.

“I am hopeful that a new tenant will be found for the site soon and will be a nice addition to Highbridge’s high street.”

A spokesman for Mydentist, said the decision to close the practice was ‘not taken lightly’.

“Increased running costs and difficulty recruiting dentists mean it is not sustainable to keep the practice open,” the spokesman said.

“Registered patients with open courses of treatment will have their dental care completed or appropriately referred before 30 September.

“NHS patients can transfer to Mydentist practices in Bridgwater, Street or Weston-super-Mare.

“All patients have been informed of the closure and we have provided details on finding an alternative dental practice.”

For more information about the closure visit mydentist.co.uk.