ROWS are breaking out in pharmacy queues as frustrated residents are left waiting for hours to collect prescriptions, it has been claimed.

The Gazette reported on Monday there were delays of several hours outside the Boots pharmacy, in Tamarisk Way, Greenstead.

And new reports have emerged of a similar situation for those waiting to collect from the Boots chemist in Military Road.

Maurice Abbott says the police have even had to be called to queuing patients due to "public disorder" caused by the delays.

Mr Abbott has written to Colchester's MP Will Quince calling for him to step in.

He said: "People, including sick and vulnerable people or their carers, are currently obliged to queue for many hours at this location to pick up monthly prescriptions.

"The long queues have seen incidents of public disorder where people have attempted to jump the queue or failed to observe proper social distancing.

"Police were called on Friday in response to these incidents."

One resident, who asked not to be named, said they queued for six hours outside the Greenstead pharmacy.

She said: " I got right near the front and the pharmacy closed for an hour lunch break.

"I had to have a chair given to me due to a really bad hip condition, but had to give it to people more in need.

"I even let an older gentleman cut in front of me as he was in his 80s and looked quite frail.

"It was an awful day. I got home in absolutely agony with my back, hip and knees."

Boots has apologised to customers for delays, but said it had been forced to implement new measures due to social distancing guidelines.

It has issued advice to customers to help manage their prescriptions.

A spokesman said: "Try to plan ahead. If you have a repeat prescription, please try to order your next one seven days before it’s due. This will help us deal with urgent requests more swiftly.

"Put your contact details on your prescription. We’ll call you when your medicines are ready to collect. Or we can text you if you sign up to our reminder service. Please try not to ring the pharmacy unless it’s absolutely urgent.

"If you can, sign up to our free online NHS repeat prescription service via Boots.com or the Boots App to arrange to have your medicines delivered by Royal Mail.

"If you are over 70 or have been advised you are at high risk, we can offer free prescription delivery from our stores to those most at need.

"And remember, if you have symptoms such as a temperature or new continuous cough please don’t come to the pharmacy."