Law change threatens indies

The National Pharmaceutical Association (NPA) has criticised Government plans to relax NHS regulations, which would allow large shopping centres to bypass normal chemists' requirements.

The NPA says the change would force local community pharmacies out of business. The campaign is being supported by Liberal Democrat MP Brian Cotter, who has tabled a parliamentary motion urging MPs to abandon the idea.

'Many community pharmacists are rightly concerned they will be forced out the market, so, the elderly and those unable to travel could find themselves without access to a local pharmacy,' said Cotter.