Campaigners fight plans for new Longford pharmacy

[dutchman]

Campaigners have started a petition against plans to open a new pharmacy near to a similar business.



Directors of Pharmateam Ltd, in Birmingham, have submitted an application to NHS Coventry to set up a chemist at the former post office, in Longford Road, Longford.

They have proposed opening hours from 7.30am until 10.30pm throughout the week and three pharmacists will split the hours between them.

The plans include employing a delivery driver and also counter assistants to work from 8am until 10pm from Monday to Saturday and 9am until 7pm on Sundays.

But members of Longford CAN (Community Action for our Neighbourhood) have objected to the proposals because they fear it would threaten the livelihood of staff at a thriving chemist nearby – the Longford Health Centre.

They have collected 70 signatures so far and will be sending their petition to NHS Coventry in the next few weeks.

The proposals will be considered at a Joint Pharmacy Application Panel at a meeting on Thursday March 31.

Lonnie Downes, chairman of Longford CAN, said: “Staff at our chemist are worried about their livelihoods and well being. The opening of another chemist is just 100 yards away from the one we already have.

“There is the threat of 13 local people losing their jobs, the village is not large enough to take on two chemist shops with parking and late night service disturbing the peace and quiet of residents.

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