Hundreds of residents have signed a petition calling to save Sidmouth’s Woolbrook Pharmacy.

More than 700 residents have expressed their views to Boots UK, who plan to close the branch in February.

An online petition was organised by Simon Jupp MP and Carolyn Burton had a printed version to ensure everyone in the community had the chance to make their voice heard

The campaign launched in November last year when the news first broke that Boots UK planned to close the store.

Sidmouth resident Carolyn said: “The pharmacy at Woolbrook is a lifeline for so many people and a thriving part of the local community, as demonstrated by the hundreds of people who have signed the petitions to try and prevent its closure. Currently, residents can walk to the pharmacy or use the free car park available at Lidl. Having to get into town to another pharmacy is going to cause a great deal of inconvenience and difficulties, especially for the elderly and those with mobility problems when they need to collect their prescriptions, seek the advice of a pharmacist, have flu jabs, buy specific products not sold in other shops, and access all the other services that this wonderful pharmacy and staff have provided over the years."

To add your signature, visit www.simonjupp.org.uk/campaigns/sign-my-petition-save-woolbrook-pharmacy-sidmouth or contact Simon Jupp MP via 01395 542750. 

Locals have highlighted the popularity of the store, its experienced staff, and the important service they provide to the most vulnerable and elderly in Sidmouth.

The East Devon MP called on local residents to send a clear message to Boots UK that they should not close the store.

A closure notice was advertised in the Boots pharmacy on Woolbrook Road at the start of November last year.

Mr Jupp then wrote a letter to the managing director of Boots UK, Sebastian James, to express his disappointment with the decision, before he launched an online petition to save the pharmacy.

Mr Jupp has also contacted the NHS to ask if the site could be retained as a pharmacy if Boots pressed ahead with their plans.

He said:; “Our community is sending a clear message to Boots that they should not close Woolbrook Pharmacy. I want to thank Carolyn for the fantastic job she’s done in helping coordinate the town’s voice against this terrible decision, which impacts the most vulnerable and elderly who can currently pick up their prescriptions with ease. If you haven’t already, please sign your name so we can make our united voice even louder. Boots UK should hear us clearly and make the right decision by local people.”