I REFER to recent applications to set up dental practices in Beech Avenue and Barbourne that were turned down.

At my age, I am past bothering with dentists. I do not live to eat, I eat to live. I manage to masticate my food with hardened gums and what nerve-dead molars I have left. Thus it will be, to the end of whatever days Almighty God may grant me. So I have no personal axe to grind.

However, I sympathise with younger people. From experience, in my younger days, I know what toothache is like. There is nothing worse.

Councillor Mary Drinkwater, opposing the Barbourne application, is reported to have stated that there were already 12 dental practices in the area - so what? Does this councillor not believe in choice and competition? We need NHS dentists.

If councillors Drinkwater and Mike Layland and the residents of Beech Avenue and Barbourne ever have toothache, perhaps they will change their tune.

Furthermore, I am sick and tired of nimbyism, which so often denies facilities to other people which are surely needed. Are there no limits to this selfish cult of "me first, me last, me always"?

D E MARGRETT,

Worcester.