A VILLAGE near Taunton is welcoming back a pharmacy this week – more than a year after Boots closed down.

From Thursday (August 14), people in Norton Fitzwarren will soon be able to collect prescriptions once again, as well as other essentials with the opening of a new service.

Pharmacist Mo Idris – Idris to his friends – is behind the new venture and said: “We’re really looking forward to welcoming the first customers on Thursday.

“We want to make this a real community hub, not just a pharmacy. We will be providing a lot of services and advice, including travel and weight loss clinics and we’ll be able to prescribe for certain conditions using pharmacy prescribing services.

“I’m moving to Norton Fitzwarren and really looking forward to it. We’ll be running it with my brothers who are my partners. We’re not just here for prescriptions so feel free to just come and talk to us.”

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Somerset Councillor Andy Sully (Lib Dem, Lydeard), is among those who has been working to bring pharmacy facilities back to the area, working with Norton Fitzwarren Parish Council and MP Gideon Amos (Lib Dem, Taunton & Wellington) to encourage a new business to open.

“Eighteen months ago, I brought the owner of the previous pharmacy premises to the parish council to explain why Boots were closing down and, with Gideon’s support, I’ve been working on it ever since,” Cllr Sully said.

“We are absolutely delighted to report that Idris is now moving to our area to open his new pharmacy and investing here for the benefit of local people.”

Taunton MP Gideon Amos with pharmacist Mo Idris and Cllr Andy Sully

Mr Amos added: “Thanks to Andy and his hard work I was delighted to meet with Iris and encourage him to set up shop in Norton Fitzwarren.

“My wife’s grandparents lived in the village and I know what a strong and growing community it is.

“After the initial closure, Andy and I explored lots of ways of getting the pharmacy reopened. Andy’s teamwork with the parish council has really helped get concrete results for everyone who lives in the village.

“Well done to Idris for taking the plunge. I’m keen to see more businesses invest in our area and I regularly reach out to encourage them in. I’ll continue doing whatever I can to make that happen.

“This success is a great example of getting better health services in the community where we need them.”