THOUSANDS of residents are fighting to save a pharmacy which could be ‘bulldozed’ out of business by a supermarket giant.

Residents have rallied behind Fearns Pharmacy, on Britannia Road, Helsby after Tesco announced plans to launch a rival service in its superstore across the road.

Almost 2,000 customers from Frodsham, Helsby, Alvanley and Kingsley have showed their support to the family-owned pharmacy which faces loss of business and possible closure when the in-store pharmacy opens.

The owners, Joe Fearns and his son Michael, said they are overwhelmed by the support of their customers.

Michael said that a petition against the plans, which has more than 1,900 signatures, will hopefully be presented to the head office of the supermarket chain and Cheshire West and Chester Council in the coming week.

“The response has been really very positive,” added Michael. “We have had people coming in who haven’t had any prescriptions to pick up just to give us their messages of support.

“Tesco are saying they are listening to their customers who want a pharmacy in their store, if they are listening hopefully they will look at the petition and realise the community does not want another pharmacy.”

MP Graham Evans has lent his support to the small pharmacy, writing to the local primary care trust.

He said: “I think it is really important that we support our local independent traders in Helsby. Fearns is right at the heart of our community.”

A spokesperson for Tesco said: “We are basically responding to customer demand. Our customers have told us that they would like a pharmacy in the store and that the late-night opening hours would benefit them.”