Frustrated parents have condemned a surgery's appointment system after allegedly making 120 calls in a bid to get through.

Blandford Medical Centre, in Mace Avenue, Braintree, operates a “book on the day” system but parents have complained that they are unable to get through to the surgery to book and when they do, there are often no appointments left.

Brett Lincoln, of the Fairview Estate, Braintree, said he drove to the surgery to get an appointment for his three-year-old daughter, Amber, after he could not get through on the phone, despite calling 120 times.

He said: “At 8am I started ringing and I just couldn’t get through, I just got an engaged tone.

“It’s not the first time I’ve not been able to get through. It’s ridiculous.”

Caroline Hird, practice manager for Blandford Medical Centre, said: “There are a vast array of appointments that are available.

“If the appointments have been exhausted then we do have to ask patients to call in the following day.

“If anyone has any concerns do get in touch with the practice and we will investigate.”

See this week's Braintree and Witham Times for the full story.