RESIDENTS in Farington have launched a campaign to ensure they get a pharmacy in their area.

Last month chemist Patricia Hill was given permission to open a pharmacy in Stanifield Lane, Farington, after residents said their area was missing out.

The South Lancashire Health Authority said the plan could go ahead, providing there was no opposition.

Now other local chemists have launched an appeal to overturn the licence awarded to Patricia Hill.

The chemists are refusing to announce publicly why they are objecting to the scheme, but local councillor Fred Heyworth believes they are scared of competition.

Along with fellow councillor David Wooldridge, Coun Heyworth spent Saturday last week outside the empty shop collecting signatures for a petition, vowing to do everything they could to get the chemist open.

He believes rival chemists are worried about competition.

He said: "Farington has grown immensely over the past few years so this facility is needed. At the moment, Leyland suffers from a monopoly when it comes to chemist services and that can't be healthy.

"This is one we are determined to win.

"We are currently visiting residents letting them know about the situation so they can tell us what they think.

"We know many residents were favour of this scheme when it was announced and Patricia received many letters about it."

And local campaigner Mark Alcock, who plans to stand as a Liberal Democrat, is also campaigning to make sure the shop opens.

He said: "I have been contacted by Patricia and I can't believe this has happened.

"We will be supporting her all the way and taking action to make sure everyone knows just how popular the idea for the chemist is."

South Lancs Health Authority declined to comment.

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