IT is difficult to see what public interest there can be in a pricing structure which means consumers are paying well over the odds.

There can be no justification in having such a mechanism in place for everyday drugs and medicines such as painkillers, cold remedies and vitamins.

Indeed it beggars belief that a ban on the operation of the free market in these products remained in place for 30 years.

The court ruling to lift the restriction, which has lined the pockets of retailers and manufacturers, is long overdue.

We do not share concerns that local chemists will close down as a direct result of this ruling.

The mainstay of their business is the dispensation and administration of prescription drugs. This remains unaltered by yesterday's court decision.

Community pharmacies offer convenience, expert advice and a personal service which the supermarkets are unable to match. If they play to these strengths they should continue to flourish.

The public with continue to be loyal to their local chemists if this vital public service is retained.

The supermarkets also have a duty to act fairly and responsibly in the wake of the price-fixing ruling.

There are already signs that they are relishing the prospect of a fierce battle with their competitors to seize the initiative.

They must resist the temptation to use the defeat of the local chemists in the courts as an opportunity to drive them out of business.

Any attempt at aggressive price war by selling goods at cost or even at a loss to undercut their rivals is as anti-competitive as the price-fixing regime which was scrapped yesterday, and must be halted in its tracks.

We must be wary of getting rid of one system which penalised the consumers and replacing it with another system which limits consumers' choice.

And we must be wary of getting rid of one system which unfairly favours community pharmacies to one which allows the supermarkets to abuse their strength.

Local chemists and supermarkets provide distinctly different and valuable services. It should not be beyond the means of a free market to allow them both to flourish side by side.