FEARS that suburban chemists in Harrogate would be hit if a pharmacy was allowed to open in a superstore have been expressed by residents.

An application has been tabled with North Yorkshire Health Authority by Oldham-based A Swift (Chemists) to set up a pharmacy at Morrison's Superstore, Hookstone Chase, Starbeck.

There are two chemists in the centre of Starbeck, with others in Cold Bath Road, Leeds Road and nearby Hookstone Drive.

In its request to open at Morrison's, the chemist said the store had established itself as a major shopping centre.

It said pharmaceutical services for a population of about 10,000 were too far away and separated by significant barriers, including the railway and Wetherby Road.

"We believe a new pharmacy in this part of Harrogate is both necessary and desirable in the interests of putting patients first," said the company.

But some residents, particularly the elderly and young mothers without transport, fear that the pharmacy could have a detrimental effect on existing chemists and could threaten what one pensioner described as "chemists on our doorstep".

Harrogate community health chief officer Mark Kennedy, who said he was aware of concern about the issue, said the authority had to ensure elderly, frail or young mothers without access to public transport, had ready access to a pharmacy.

If the opening of a pharmacy at Morrison's would result in closure of other chemists, that was the issue it had to deal with.

A spokesman for the health authority said that the people would be able to express their views until March 8, with a decision being made by April or May.

Representations about the issue can be sent to the authority at Ryedale Building, 60 Piccadilly, York.