The decision not to approve a new pharmacy in Sudbury has been branded "absolutely terrible" and "a scandal" by town councillors. 

During a meeting of Sudbury Town Council on September 10, representatives discussed the recent decision by Primary Care Support England (PCSE) not to approve a pharmacy at Sudbury Community Health Centre, home to Siam Surgery. 

Introducing the matter, mayor Alison Owen said she felt the decision was "absolutely terrible". 

Cllr Nigel Bennett said the original planning permission for the health centre included pharmacy provision which is yet to come to fruition. 

"The NHS wanted a pharmacy there, the GP practice want a pharmacy in there. What you have got is a body that decided basically I think  there are enough pharmacies in Sudbury, even though we have lost some," he said.

He continued: "It really does need a pharmacy there and the whole intention was always for there to be one.

"There's spaces there unused downstairs - it's been there since day one since it was built.

"It's a scandal. It is meant to be integrated healthcare." 

Cllr Jan Osborne agreed, adding: “Unfortunately, it seems they don’t understand and appreciate the problems we have got.

“How long have we all had to queue up in Boots for prescriptions? And now we’re being asked to go there if we’ve got minor conditions." 

Others raised concerns over the impact on people with mobility issues that may visit Siam Surgery and then go into town or to another pharmacy for their prescription, rather than being able to collect it in the same building. 

Adrian Stohr said: "I don’t think this body which has voted it down, has looked into people with disabilities in respect of this pharmacy." 

Following the meeting, a letter will be written on behalf of the town council to the PSCE including the concerns councillors raised.