Hundreds of residents join Simon Jupp MP’s call to save Sidmouth’s Woolbrook Pharmacy

Over 700 local residents have voiced their dissapointment with Boots UK’s planned closure of Woolbrook Pharmacy in February through petitions organised by Simon Jupp MP and local Sidmouth resident Carolyn Burton against the decision.

A closure notice was advertised in the Boots pharmacy on Woolbrook Road at the start of November last year with no warning, leading to concerns from residents who face difficulties accessing the alternative Boots store on Fore Street.

Following a letter he wrote to the Managing Director of Boots UK, Sebastian James, to express his disappointment with the decision, Simon Jupp MP launched an online petition to save the pharmacy.

Highlighting the popularity of the store, its experienced staff, and the important service they provide to the most vulnerable and elderly in Sidmouth, the East Devon MP called on local residents to send a clear message to Boots UK that they should not close the store.

Simon Jupp MP has also contacted the NHS to ask if the site could be retained as a pharmacy if Boots pressed ahead with their plans.

Carolyn Burton, a local Sidmouth resident who also uses the popular store on Woolbrook Road, organised a paper version to ensure everyone in the community had the chance to make their voice heard.

To add your signature, please visit www.simonjupp.org.uk/campaigns/sign-my-petition-save-woolbrook-pharmacy-sidmouth or contact Simon Jupp MP via 01395 542750 for support.

Simon Jupp, MP for East Devon, said; “Our community is sending a clear message to Boots that they should not close Woolbrook Pharmacy. I want to thank Carolyn for the fantastic job she’s done in helping coordinate the town’s voice against this terrible decision, which impacts the most vulnerable and elderly who can currently pick up their prescriptions with ease. If you haven’t already, please sign your name so we can make our united voice even louder. Boots UK should hear us clearly and make the right decision by local people.”

Carolyn Burton, Sidmouth resident, said; “The pharmacy at Woolbrook is a lifeline for so many people and a thriving part of the local community, as demonstrated by the hundreds of people who have signed the petitions to try and prevent its closure. At the moment, local residents can walk to the pharmacy or use the free car park available at Lidl. Having to get into town to another pharmacy is going to cause a great deal of inconvenience and difficulties, especially for the elderly and those with mobility problems when they need to collect their prescriptions, seek the advice of a pharmacist, have flu jabs, buy specific products not sold in other shops, and access all the other services that this wonderful pharmacy and staff have provided over the years."