YORK MP Hugh Bayley today collected the latest petition against plans to allow more pharmacies to open in the city.

York community pharmacists have collected an estimated 5,000 signatures from local customers against a proposal by the Office of Fair Trading to allow new pharmacies to open with permission from health authorities, increasing competition and reducing prices.

But disabled people, the elderly and people without cars say they want to keep local access to the advice and care that community pharmacies can offer.

Mr Bayley today collected names from pharmacist Elliot Goran, of Badger Hill Pharmacy in Yarburgh Way, York.

The Labour MP said: "If a free-for-all went ahead, there would be some local closures, which I don't want to see.

"But I don't think the Government is going to approve the Office of Fair Trading recommendations, I think the Government is listening to what people have to say.

"However, I think there will be some changes made."

Mr Goran said he was most concerned about dispensing facilities opening in doctors' surgeries.

He said: "I'm not scared of competition from supermarkets or other shops, but I am scared of competition which I believe does not give us a level playing field."

The Government is considering the OFT report and is expected to publish its response within the next couple of months.

Updated: 12:37 Saturday, April 05, 2003