The group cited economic pressures as reason for their decision to close its outlet in Church Street
After Boots’ closure in last March, Peak Pharmacy has now confirmed it plan to close its store in Great Malvern.
The Peak Pharmacy in Church Street, which is the only chemist currently running in the area, will be closed permanently from February 29, 2024, Malvern Gazette reported.
West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin told the publication that Peak Pharmacy has written to him confirming the news and explaining the decision.
He is disappointed that “this is the second pharmacy to exit Church Street in a year” which would affect people who have been rely on the chemist shop.
According to the MP, efforts are being made to find a replacement, and he has reached out to the body responsible for managing pharmacy provision in the area for an alternative plan.
Councillor Beverley Nielsen, Malvern Hills District Council economic development and tourism portfolio holder, feels that the closure of Peak Pharmacy “is a real loss to Great Malvern” as he is worried that they won’t have a local chemist based in the town.
He informed Malvern Gazette that MHDC’s economic development team has been trying hard to retain one pharmacy as it is an important service for the residents.
They have also contacted Peak Pharmacy to see if the retailer might be ready to sell on their licence, but the company has declined their offer.
At the same time, the team is reaching out to other chemist groups who might be interested in operating in Malvern, but there are no guarantees at this stage, the Councillor added.
Meanwhile, Matt Webster, Peak Pharmacy head of retail operations, stated that they made this decision with “a heavy heart,” and that they’re not immune to the economic pressures facing the community pharmacy sector at the moment.
However, he assured that their three other outlets in Worcester Road in Malvern Link, Pickersleigh Road and Maple Road will continue to support their patients, and give “fantastic levels of pharmacy care."
The picture shown above is a representational image sourced from Peak Pharmacy Website.
Sukhi Basra
