NORTH West Durham MP Laura Pidcock is to chair a public meeting over the impending closure of a rural dispensary.

Earlier this month, residents of St John’s Chapel and surrounding communities learned they would have to make round trips of up to 22 miles to collect prescriptions follow the sudden decision to close the dispensary at the village surgery from Friday.

The news caused great concern among residents, especially among older people, many of whom do not drive and rely on public transport, which has also been cut in recent years.

Last week, Weardale Practice managing partner Vicky Watson said the closure was due to staff shortages and the failure to recruit another dispenser, despite advertising.

A representative from the practice will be at the meeting at St John’s Chapel Town Hall at 6.15pm tomorrow, along with Weardale county councillors John Shuttleworth and Anita Savory.

Help with transport to the meeting may be available to residents. To find out more, contact weardalelabour@gmail.com