News / southmead
Petition launched to save local pharmacy
A petition to save a local Boots pharmacy in Southmead has already amassed over 500 signatures.
Residents said they have not been consulted on the decision to close Boots pharmacy on Southmead Road, and are calling on the company to rethink their plans for the closure. It’s one of three hundred Boots retail shops that are set to close over the next year.
The company has assured staff that they will be offered alternative roles. But for residents who use the pharmacy, they say it is a “lifeline”.
is needed now More than ever
“The branch is particularly important for those in the local community who have no means of transport and a significant proportion of the customers walk to the branch as it is surrounded by residential streets,” said Frances Robertson, who launched the petition.
The next closest Boots pharmacy for local residents is in Henleaze, but they say this isn’t a realistic option as it is not within walking distance, and is already very busy with long queues.
Southmead councillor Brenda Massey said: “My position is that I would be very sorry to see the pharmacy close.
“Many of the residents who use it may well not have any means of transport to a different site, and will now be extremely concerned about how they can collect potentially life-saving medicines without an accessible chemist close to them.”
Councillors Philippa Hulme and Tom Renhard said: “There is no other pharmacy in this area for the residents to use.
“We know this is a well-used and loved branch, which is providing a vital community need to many.”
Henleaze and Westbury on Trym councillor, Steve Smith, is also against the closure.
“At this time when general practice and community healthcare is so stretched, the local pharmacy is an increasingly important part of our healthcare,” he said.
“Many residents in my ward rely upon this branch, and I join them in urging Boots to reconsider its closure.”
Main photo: Mina Kim
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