A pharmacy at a GP practice in Littleport has launched a legal bid to avoid closure amid claims from patients that it was given just a few days notice to leave.

Alchemy Pharmaceuticals, which trades at St George’s Medical Centre, in Parsons Lane, was asked to leave by the practice by last Wednesday, causing an angry backlash from patients.

But it was announced on Thursday that the business had launched a legal challenge against the decision and it will remain on the premises until the matter is settled.

A statement released by St George’s Medical Practice said: “There has been a legal dispute between the GP partnership and Alchemy Pharmaceuticals Ltd - trading as St George’s Pharmacy.

“The pharmacy was asked to leave on Wednesday, September 10, but they will remain on the premises until further notice. This dispute is being handled by solicitors.”

The issue was brought to light this week by the Ely Standard after several patients of the practice made contact, expressing anger that the pharmacy was being asked to leave at short notice.

Patients said that they arrived on Monday to repeat their prescriptions only to be told the service would be closing on Wednesday.

The surgery serves thousands of people in Littleport and the surrounding villages and patients say the closure has left people reliant on repeat prescriptions in a state of confusion.

Frank Stevens, who regularly collects prescriptions at St George’s, said: “People are up in arms over it and I understand a lot of people in care homes have been left in limbo.

“A lot of people use the pharmacy because they are open until 10pm, so why they are slinging them out I don’t know. It was a brilliant service because they delivered to everybody who needed it.”

In response, the practice said: “We would like to make you aware that from Wednesday, September 10, there will no longer be an independent pharmacy situated at St George’s Medical Centre.

“We are very aware that many of our patients use this service for prescriptions and have found it particularly useful for out of hours or immediate dispensing following a doctors appointment.

“We are very sorry for the inconvenience that may be caused by the closing of this service and will do all we can to make the transition as smooth as possible.”

WHAT DO YOU THINK? How has the closure of this service affected you? E-mail your thoughts to daniel.mansfield@archant.co.uk or write to Ely Standard, Alexander House, Fore Hill, Ely, CB7 4AF