VALE health chiefs' plans for a much-needed NHS dental surgery in Evesham could be realised within six months.

A planning application has been received by Wychavon District Council to convert a shop in Port Street into a dental practice. Applicant Mohamed Wadee is currently in talks with South Worcestershire Primary Care Trust about his proposal.

Mr Wadee said: "At the moment we are still speaking with representatives from the PCT and we are waiting for further details from them. We are also speaking with the Department of Health and continuing negotiations with them."

PCT dental consultant Alan McMichael said: "We're right in the middle of changing the way NHS dentists are contracted nationally. One of the reasons for the change is because there has been shortage problems with NHS dentists in the past. We need to totally transform the way it works.

"We are not talking about this surgery opening next week, but equally we're not talking about something opening next year. It is probably about six months away from being realised. We offer an incentive payment (to the dentist) provided NHS patients get treatment there.

"The grant doesn't in any way pay the full (running) costs, but nor does it mean the NHS owns the practice. It is a partnership that we both think we are going to get something out of. Nothing is ever certain and we shouldn't count our chickens before they hatch, but I am cautiously optimistic."