Pharmacy campaigners 'putting post office at risk'

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VILLAGERS in Leuchars risk losing their post office if protesters continue their 'nasty' campaign against the pharmacy that's due to open in the premises this spring, it's been claimed.
James Semple, whose company will operate the new pharmacy, spoke out this week in defence of the post office proprietors Mary and Andy Thiesen, who he says are being victimised as a result of the actions of the anti-pharmacy lobby.

"Everyone knows the problems faced by village post offices," said Mr Semple.

"The Thiesens agreed to rent out part of their premises to help boost their income and protect the post office, which is a very important facility for the village.

"But they have been losing customers and subjected to abuse by people who are intimidated by the vocal few who are running this nasty campaign.

"If they carry out their threat to boycott the new pharmacy, they are in danger of losing their post office too."

Meanwhile, people have until Thursday, February 4, to comment on an application for a pharmacy in Balmullo.

NHS Fife's pharmacy practices committee is due to meet on February 18 to consider the application, which was lodged by Falkland-based pharmacist Raymond Kelly, who wants to operate a facility from within the GPs' surgery.

The owners of the practice, Drs Bryan Johnston and John Salamonski, appealed against the decision to allow Mr Semple to move in to the post office amid fears that the loss of the income they currently make from dispensing would lead to severe cutbacks at their surgeries in Leuchars and Balmullo and possibly even the closure of one of them.

But they lost the appeal and are now pinning their hopes on a positive outcome for Mr Kelly's application.

Mr Semple has objected to the application on the basis that there is no need for another pharmacy in the area, and whatever the committee's decision it will be appealed — meaning that the 'pharmacy wars' saga could continue for months to come.