A ROW has erupted over the future of Bury Pharmacy.

The Manchester Road chemist wants to relocate along with neighbouring Blackford Bridge Medical Centre which is moving to Croft Lane later this year.

Although health bosses gave the green light to the move, two applications have been turned down by the National Family Health Services Appeals Authority after objections from Moss Pharmacy in Asda.

But the practice manager at Blackford Bridge Medical Centre fears patients will suffer if the move does not go ahead.

Mrs Carol Wilding said: "We work hand in hand with Bury Pharmacy and to lose that would be devastating. They serve 95 per cent of our patients and are an important part of the service we offer.

"Some of our patients have been going into the pharmacy for the last 20 years. The staff there know them and understand the doctor's prescribing patterns.

"It would take a lot of years to achieve this relationship with another pharmacist. We just want common sense to prevail."

At the first objection, it is believed the Moss Pharmacy said patients would be inconvenienced by the move. Bury Pharmacy resubmitted the bid saying they would keep the first pharmacy open as well as the new one on Croft Lane.

But Moss Pharmacy are then thought to have objected by saying that the proposed area was already served by a pharmacy.

Despite repeated requests staff at Moss Pharmacy's headquarters have refused to comment.

Bury and Rochdale Health Authority want local people to have their say in the future of Bury Pharmacy. Letters should be sent to Mr Phil Emmott, Director of Operations, Bury and Rochdale health Authority, 21 Silver Street, Bury, BL9 0EN.

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