Sir Robert Buckland is urging local residents to rally behind a new bid for a pharmacy in Old Town, following the closures of two key pharmacies in the area.
The recent shutdowns of Boots on Wood Street in February and Rowlands Pharmacy last July have left a substantial void in pharmaceutical services, affecting many residents.
The call to action comes after Sir Robert was approached by Mr Patel of HG Hanks in January. HG Hanks, a well-regarded local operator with four existing pharmacies in Swindon, including the longstanding Hawthorn Pharmacy in Gorse Hill, has expressed a keen interest in opening a new pharmacy in Old Town to fill the gap left by the closures.
Sir Robert has actively supported this initiative, having written a letter of endorsement for Mr Patel’s application earlier in the year. The application has since gained momentum, with additional backing from Swindon Borough Council’s Health and Wellbeing department.
In light of this progress, Sir Robert has penned another letter of support and is now calling on the community to contribute their own letters and emails of support.
Residents impacted by the absence of local pharmaceutical services are encouraged to share their experiences by emailing oldtownpharmacyswindon@gmail.com.
This input is crucial in highlighting the community’s need for a new pharmacy. Residents are urged to describe how the closures have affected them, such as experiencing long wait times, difficulty accessing medication, and the inconvenience of travelling outside Old Town for services.
