Boots to close Fiveways pharmacy in Stanway Co-op store

Boots has told customers it will be closing its pharmacy in the East of England Co-op store in Peartree Road, Colchester, on March 2.

Campaigners have urged Boots to reconsider its decision to close the pharmacy which is used by residents from across Stanway and Prettygate.

A petition launched by Liberal Democrat campaigners Chantelle Whyborn and John Loxley says the pharmacy is a “vital healthcare resource”.

Store - the pharmacy is in the East of England Co-op supermarket in Peartree Road

“It is crucial to save this community resource, especially as alternatives, such as Boots at Tollgate, are out of the way for many and involve a car trip,” they wrote.

'Under pressure'

As well as a pharmacy at the Tollgate Centre, Boots also has a branch in Plume Avenue. Both locations are about a five-minute drive from the threatened pharmacy.

Competitor Lloyds Pharmacy previously closed its branches in the Sainsbury’s supermarket in Stanway and in The Commons, Prettygate, which has since been taken over by GM Graham Pharmacies, a smaller chain operating across north Essex and Suffolk.

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The campaigners say the pharmacy at Tollgate is already “under extra pressure” because of the additional demand created by other pharmacy closures.

Nearby - Boots at the Tollgate Centre (Image: Google)

They added the closure would be a “significant blow to our community’s health and wellbeing”, especially as public health guidance often suggests utilising pharmacies to reduce the burden of minor ailments on GPs.

Ms Whyborn is worried for the customers who don't drive and will "face challenges in the future" if the pharmacy closes.

"The closure of critical services such as the Boots Fiveway pharmacy is a such a blow to Stanway residents who rely on an accessible pharmacy for their medical needs," she said.

Mr Loxley said: “The Fiveways pharmacy [in Peartree Road] is a lifeline to local residents. Many people find it convenient to use a pharmacy more local to them or when they are doing their shopping.

“When the NHS is trying to persuade patients to go to a pharmacy to free up GPs time, it really must do all it can to protect local pharmacies.”

Closure - a sign in the pharmacy confirms it will close on March 2 (Image: Sarah Reed)

Campaigners - Chantelle Whyborn and Lesley Scott-Boutell (Image: Supplied)

Stanway councillor Lesley Scott-Boutell has backed the petition and said: “I’m concerned by Boots’ proposals to close the Fiveways pharmacy because it would see a vital resource which is relied on by so many people being withdrawn.”

Boots announced in June last year it would be closing some of its stores which are within 2km (1.2miles) of another store. It refused to comment on the future of the Stanway pharmacy.

To sign the petition, click here.