LOCAL chemists fear the relaxation of rules governing pharmacies could drive some established firms out of business.

The Department of Health's announcement yesterday stops short of a total deregulation of the chemist service, as suggested by the Office of Fair Trading nearly 18 months ago.

That idea prompted a wave of protest, including a campaign run by the Lancashire Evening Telegraph.

Opponents fear that the elderly and those without transport could be left stranded by chemist closures if more and more people take advantage of supermarket services,

But the new system would make it easier for new chemists to set up, including inside shopping complexes which are more than 15,000 square metres in size but away from town centres.

Pharmacists will be allowed to open new stores if they commit to opening more than 100 hours a week.

And internet-only or mail order chemists have also been given the green light for the first time - as long as it is run by pharmacists.

Existing chemists will also be able to provide extra services such as smoking cessation support, according to ministers.

Mark Collins, director of the East Lancashire Local Pharmaceutical Committee, said: "The safeguards put in make the situation much better than if the OFT proposals for total deregulation had gone through.

"We still have concerns that there are chemists in the area which are only just profitable and if someone comes in and rocks the boat there could be big changes."

Supermarkets such as Asda - with stores in Blackburn, Clayton Green, Accrington, Rawtenstall, Burnley and Colne - welcomed the news.

Spokesman John Evans said: "This is a good and encouraging start that marks the beginning of the end for the pharmacy 'closed shop'.

"Customers will be pleased at the news - it's their No.1 demand for a service we should provide. We stand ready to play our part in improving access to pharmacies."

Ribble Valley MP Nigel Evans, however, said he expected chemists to start closing down in the same way post offices have: "I am very concerned that this will be the final nail in the coffin of the small community pharmacy.

"Supermarkets will kill the local chemist's shop in the same way they have the local corner shop."

But Hyndburn's Greg Pope said: "I think this will lead to a better choice for the consumer.

"I don't think it will lead to the death of the chemist's shop.

"I think the safeguards are adequate to keep local pharmacies that we all like to use on the street corner, but there will be a better choice for the consumer and that is welcome.

"People will be able to choose whether they will want to collect their prescriptions locally or when they visit the supermarket."