UP-DATED dental services are to be provided in the heart of Darlington in a boost for oral health care.

Darlington Primary Care Trust (PCT) is proposing moving the Community Dental Service clinic from outdated premises in Archer Street to modern ones in a newly refurbished Parkgate Clinic.

The PCT is consulting the public about the move which could happen as soon as the autumn.

Head of primary care Lorraine Tostevin said: "The new facility would be specially designed and refurbished to meet the needs of the public.

"It's going to be a great facility and is an exciting development for Darlington."

It will be fully equipped with new dental couches, operators' chairs, lights, drills and instruments.

The centre will be staffed by dentists, dental assistants, hygienists and administrative workers and share the Parkgate Clinic with a GP surgery and foot health services.

The clinic, in Park Place, was chosen for development because of its location and car parking facilities.

Anyone with any views on the proposed move is asked to send them to Darlington PCT at Valley House, Valley Street North, Darlington, DL1 1TJ, or contact Patient and Advice Liaison (PALS) manager Margaret Scott on 0800 783 5774, or Darlington and Teesdale Community Health Council on (01325) 254848.