Ongoing issues at a north Norfolk pharmacy have left desperate customers unable to collect their medication, as the centre continues to be closed during normal opening hours.
Mundesley's pharmacy, in High Street, is run by Well Pharmacy, which apologised to customers earlier this year after complaints from locals who could not collect their prescriptions due to it regularly being closed.
Well denied that the pharmacy was experiencing any staff shortages, but now locals are suffering again as they continue to find the pharmacy's doors are closed when they need it most.
READ MORE: Is this Norfolk road Britain's shortest dual carriageway?
“People are worried, panicking and suffering because they can’t get their medication,” Wendy Fredericks, deputy leader of North Norfolk District Council (NNDC), who represents the Mundesley ward, said.
“I’ve been trying to organise a meeting with Well, but they have no respect for people’s worries and concerns – they put profit over people.
“People can’t get their prescriptions at the pharmacy, so they have to go back to their GPs - which is putting even more pressure on GPs and the NHS.”
Councillor Fredericks urged customers not to take out their frustrations on members of staff at the pharmacy.
Mundesley resident Wendy Fenwick, who relies on the pharmacy for her prescriptions, said she witnessed people “in tears” on the doorstep of the pharmacy earlier this week when a message was left on the door to say it was closed again.
“It’s repeatedly closed with a note left on the door to say it’s temporarily closed and a number to call,” she said.
“I tried calling the number and got passed on to several different people - none of whom knew what to do.
“I have a repeat prescription which I can’t collect - and I don’t know when I will be able to.
“The last three times I’ve been to the pharmacy it’s been closed.”
READ MORE: Norfolk mum-of-two 'tragically loses entire home and four beloved cats' in house fire
Mundesley resident Barbara Hemmings, who cares for her 95-year-old father, said the situation is "shocking".
"It will be devastating if it closes because not everyone has someone to care for them," she added.
Well Pharmacy was approached for comment.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here