A CHEMIST is set to close due to it 'no longer being viable' to remain open.

Cohens Chemist, on Middlefield in Ormsgill, Barrow, is closing its doors for the last time on November 15.

In a letter sent to Westmorland and Furness councillor Beverly Morgan, a spokesperson for Cohens explained it was 'no longer viable' to operate the branch and have made the 'difficult' decision to close the pharmacy.

Cllr Morgan and the group Ormsgill Stronger Together have consulted residents of all ages at the community centre coffee morning to find out their thoughts on the closure.

Cllr Morgan said 'responses were mixed.'

"Some already went elsewhere to larger pharmacies that had increased opening hours, some had their medication delivered, some said they couldn’t get all of their medication when they needed it from Cohens due to limited opening times, and some were concerned about the closure for themselves and family members," she said.

"We also talked to the pharmacist and a staff member to get their views and they said that it was quiet in there some days but like everyone else they wanted the pharmacy to stay open, and in order for that to happen it needed to be used more.

"I contacted the NHS Integrated Care Board to see if they had any powers to defer the closure to give us time to encourage community use and I was told that it was Cohens decision. I contacted Cohens to ask them to defer and unfortunately, they said the pharmacy wasn’t viable and was scheduled for closure."

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A spokesperson for Cohens said residents can call into the branch or ring them and they will do their best to make sure they have a continuous service from Cohens or other local pharmacies.

The branches at Settle Street and Ainslie Street in Barrow are the closest to the Middlefield location and are, according to Cohens, able to provide the same services as the Middlefield branch.

"Like many community pharmacies, our pharmacy is not just about prescriptions," added Cllr Morgan.

"Not having qualified healthcare professionals in our community offering advice, information, and over-the-counter medicines that cover a wide range of minor conditions, administering covid and flu jabs, and offering other advice services is a concern and a great loss."