RYEDALE MP John Greenway was today presenting a petition to the House of Commons with almost 1,000 signatures from people concerned about the threat to local pharmacies.

Kirkbymoorside residents signed a petition after an Office of Fair Trading report published earlier this year proposed to allow unrestricted opening.

The moves would allow other businesses such as supermarkets to dispense NHS prescriptions.

"The OFT proposal has caused widespread concern amongst residents of both rural and urban parts of the constituency alike that a complete free-for-all would make the community pharmacy financially unsustainable," said Mr Greenway.

"The fact that almost 1,000 people of all ages signed this petition in a matter of a few weeks is testament both to the concern of the local community about the need to preserve the future of these pharmacies and the popularity and importance of the service they provide."

Updated: 10:35 Friday, May 16, 2003