Tesco pharmacy will damage town says MP

12.57.59pm GMT Mon 18th Jan 2010

Norman Baker is objecting to Tesco's application for a pharmacy in their Lewes store.

Lewes MP Norman Baker is opposing plans by Tesco to open a pharmacy within their Lewes store.

Norman says: "When Tesco were given planning permission for their store, it was on the basis that they would not compete with independent traders in the town centre.

"Lewes is somewhat unique in having preserved a strong high street with lots of independent shops. This proposal would have a damaging impact on the existing pharmacies in the town centre, and if it follows the pattern of other towns could lead to some or all of them closing.

"There are three independent pharmacies, plus Boots in the town centre. There isn't demand for an extra pharmacy, so all this will serve to do is take trade away from the town centre. I am opposing this plan."

Tesco and most of the town centre falls in Lib Dem councillor James MacCleary's ward. He comments:

"I am very concerned about this proposal. Lots of people I speak to in Lewes use Tesco regularly, and appreciate the convenience it provides, but everybody in the town wants to protect our local traders who add so much character to the town. For this reason I am objecting to this application."

Tesco applied to the NHS for 'Inclusion in the Pharmaceutical List' in December 2009, the closing date for comments to the East Sussex Downs and Weald PCT Pharmacy Committee is 23rd January 2010.