More than a thousand Heaton residents have backed a campaign to save their village chemist shop.

Supporters claim that the Heaton Pharmacy in Highgate is under threat from another chemists opening at a new health centre in Leylands Lane - less than half a mile away.

About 1,400 residents signed a petition within 21 days in support of the pharmacy, which they fear may be driven out of business if the new chemists is allowed to open.

Resident Pam Fisher, 49, of Toller Lane, who started the campaign, said: "The response to the petition has been phenomenal. Traders and residents alike are behind us 100 per cent.

"Nobody seems to want this new chemists and there is no need for two so close together.

"The Highgate Pharmacy is a lifeline to the whole village.

"If it is forced to close then elderly and disabled people among others will be forced to walk up a hill to the new chemists at the health centre.

"So many people have signed the petition and local traders have put up posters in their shops as their realise their own businesses may suffer if the Highgate chemist shuts.

"One newsagent put about 600 flyers into all the newspapers and we've even had a letter of support from the Bishop of Bradford, who lives in Heaton," she added.

The new pharmacy has applied to relocate from its premises in Toller Lane to the Leylands Lane site.

Pharmacist Kuram Sheikh, who owns Heaton Pharmacy, has appealed to Bradford Health Authority against the granting of the contract.

"I'm absolutely flabbergasted with the response there has been from the villagers," said Mr Sheikh. "People have been very upset by the fact that I might have to close and 1,400 signatures from a village this size is amazing.

"I can only thank everyone for their support and reassure them that I have passed on their objections.

"Now it is a case of sitting and waiting to find out if we've been successful."

Paul Burns, appeals manager at the Family Health Services Appeals Authority, said that three chemists had objected to the minor relocation of the chemists in Toller Lane to the Leylands Lane health centre.

"The three appeals have been circulated and there is now a period of 30 days where the applicant and other parties can make comments," Mr Burns said.

"Early in May the Pharmacy Appeals Committee will meet. It can either make a decision straight away on the appeal or request an oral hearing."

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