THE potential return of pharmacy services in Holsworthy have been met with delight by local figures.

With Jhoots Pharmacy closed without any communication on when it might reopen since January, residents in the town have been left with a small dispensary inside the health centre as their sole source of prescription fulfilment.

It had led to calls for Jhoots to be stripped of its licence to dispense pharmacies in the town in order to allow a new operator to replace it.

However, amid ongoing financial issues that has led to staff remaining unpaid, it has been confirmed that Allied Pharmacy is to take over 60 branches of Jhoots pharmacy, including the Holsworthy outlet.

A spokesperson for Allied Pharmacy said: “We are pleased to announce that we have taken over the management of 60 Jhoots Pharmacies. While the majority of these locations are temporarily closed, we are fully committed to reinstating essential pharmacy services.

“Our immediate priority is to resume Pharmaceutical Services as soon as possible for these sites.”

Cllr Jon Hutchings, the mayor of Holsworthy welcomed the news, saying: “It looks like they will be a huge asset to the town as they seem committed to reinstating the essential pharmacy services as soon as possible.

“Everyone in Holsworthy will be delighted to have the option of pharmacy open in the town centre once again.”

The sentiments of Cllr Hutchings were echoed by his mayoral predecessor, Cllr Nigel Kenneally, who reflected the disappointment of the community when problems once again arose at Jhoots.

He said: “Having a functioning, well run pharmacy in the centre of town is essential for the people of Holsworthy and surrounding areas, and will hopefully relieve some of the pressure on Boots pharmacy up at the medical centre.

“I hope the new owners look after the people of Holsworthy and the surrounding areas better than Jhoots did.”