A petition to stop the “insane” closure of Elstree’s last remaining pharmacy has been launched.

Manor Pharmacy, in Elstree Hill, last month learned it would lose the £40,000 subsidy from NHS England which helps it stay open each year.

The Elstree & Borehamwood Residents’ Association (EBRA) has now launched a petition to fight the closure, which would leave hundreds without access to basic medication.

Pharmacist and owner Graham Phillips says he is determined not to give up the fight.

The 55-year-old said: “The fact that EBRA has started this petition off their own bat makes it a lot more meaningful and shows how useful it is in the community.

“It’s a key local resource and it doesn’t just provide a packet of medicine, it provides a package of care too.

“People rely on us. There’s no other local pharmacy. This is coming at a time where everyone says we need more from our pharmacies too, it’s insane.”

The area has an elderly population, some of whom are too unwell to drive, and the closure would mean they would have to make an hour-long round trip on a bus to get to the nearest pharmacy in Borehamwood.

The pharmacy is known as an ‘essential pharmacy’ but this title would be rescinded if its grant were to be cut.

A normal pharmacy needs to dispense around 5,000 prescriptions to survive without help from the NHS, but Manor currently completes 2,000.

So far, the petition has been signed by 14 people.

Mr Phillips, who has two sons, said: “I am appealing for everyone to sign EBRA’s petition, I am so thankful to them for joining our fight.

“We’ve demonstrated we always provide good service. They won’t be losing any old pharmacy but an exceptionally good one.

“The other thing is that it would put immense stress on local A&E departments. Without pharmacies, you’ll end up with people with more long term conditions such as diabetes, overwhelming the NHS.

“Why would you want to leave a village without a pharmacy?”

A statement from NHS England said: A statement from NHS England said: “The ending of the essential small pharmacies local pharmaceutical services pilot scheme does not mean those providers will have to close and businesses affected have been reminded of the options available to them.

“Area teams are considering where support will be needed when the scheme ends as planned in April and to reduce any impact on affected communities.”

To sign the petition, click here.

SEE ALSO - 'It's a no brainer' - campaign to save Elstree's last remaining pharmacy.