CHEMISTS across the area could close if controversial new government proposals are allowed to go ahead, a leading pharmacist has warned.

A petition against cuts to funding for community pharmacies nationwide was set to be presented to prime minister David Cameron today.

Now, Barrow pharmacist Ben Merriman claims the move by the Department of Health to slash £170m from the budget for chemists could leave up to five businesses in the borough facing closure - with more across towns and villages in Furness and south Cumbria facing the axe.

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Mr Merriman, a member of the Cumbria Local Pharmaceutical Committee, said the closure of local pharmacies would cause hardship to vulnerable people and damage communities.

"The drop in funding will mean up to a quarter of all pharmacies could be forced to close," he said.

"These could be the ones in deprived communities which are usually a first port of call for people who are unwell.

"This just doesn't make any sense, the effects in some areas could be catastrophic."

Pharmacies receive a portion of funding from the Department of Health for dispensing medicines to customers.

The government says there are too many pharmacies located close together.

But critics of the proposals fear pressure on hospital accident and emergency departments, as well as busy GP surgeries, will increase if any pharmacies are forced to shut their doors for good.

Mr Merriman added: "Pharmacies are now on the front line of healthcare.

"If pharmacies close, the number of people going to already stretched A&E and doctors surgeries will increase.

"My plea would be for people to support their pharmacies by signing the online petition to show how important this part of the NHS is to them."