HAVING had a bad dose of pneumonia for the past six weeks, I thought I was getting over it, but felt rough again so asked to see a doctor at New Court Surgery at Royal Wootton Bassett, on Wednesday morning, March 23.

As I am now 72, I was concerned and thought I might need antibiotics again. I was told very politely by the receptionist that I could not see any doctor; as all doctors are fully booked for the next five weeks. If I considered it an 'emergency' I could ask to be seen by the duty doctor after surgery or I could wait until Tuesday, March 28 and a doctor could telephone me. As I did not consider it an 'emergency' I had to take the latter.

My reason for writing to you is, do you think if I changed my name to 'Jeremy Hunt' (whose father I served under in HMS Ark Royal in 1970) I may be able to be seen quicker? I am damned sure he would not be told there is no one available for five weeks, but we'll get someone to phone you in five days' time.

This is in beautiful Royal Wootton Bassett, what must it be like in the inner cities? Wiltshire Council is a damned disgrace. The idiots in charge have let so many new houses be built around this lovely area and have not given one thought to what is also needed like additional surgeries, dentists and schools.

They probably all sit claiming away at their expenses and of course reading their, paid for by us, Bupa contracts, I suspect.

It would not be so bad if they even had a pothole or two filled in, which are getting bigger every day as it is now over three years since they arrived.

Oh yes, before I close I must say one thing in defence of the Wiltshire Council. They have allowed a new tennis centre to be built here. I think it is probably a place for us to go while we are waiting to see a doctor.

A VERY UNHAPPY EX-SAILOR