Erith and Thamesmead MP Teresa Pearce has expressed her disappointment with NHS England for rejecting two applications to open a pharmacy in Yarnton Way.

Chandra Patel, 59, from Bromley, recently started a petition to “save more lives” in the hope of launching her chemist - and has received support from the MP.

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Mrs Patel (far right) and her husband with other campaigners outside the Thamesmead pharmacy

She has a store ready to go and just needs a contract from NHS England to sell prescription medication.

Ms Pearce told News Shopper: “I am extremely disappointed that the application for a chemist in Yarnton Way has been rejected by NHS England.

“The local residents need a pharmacy now and I will be writing to ask for the refusal to be revisited as I believe the decision making process was flawed.

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MP Teresa Pearce

“A local chemist is a trusted professional and parents with young children often go to the chemist for advice and reassurance.

“I hope that Peabody and Bexley Council will also add their support to make sure we get a pharmacy open in Yarnton Way as soon as possible.”

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Inside the pharmacy

After being rejected twice in the past two years, Mrs Patel’s petition has received over 1,000 signatures so far.

A spokesman for NHS England said: “We are not able to comment on an application while the appeal period is ongoing.”