A STRONG protest has been made by community leaders against a Welsh Government decision to uphold an appeal by large companies against a small firm’s wish to open a chemist in their village.

Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board had originally backed the bid by The Pharmacy to open up in Dodds Lane in Gwersyllt but Rowlands, Boots and Vittoria Healthcare have successfully won an appeal and put a stop to the bid.

A Welsh Office minister has ruled that after studying in detail bus and train times from Gwersyllt, along with mileage distances to alternative chemists, there is adequate provision by existing chemists, even when future proposed developments in the village were taken into consideration.

But County Cllr David Griffiths told Gwersyllt Community Council: “Who are these people making these decisions?

“I think the big chemists are keeping the smaller chemists out.

“It is all about community and convenience – this decision is not.

“If I am wrong I apologise but I don’t think I am.”

County Cllr Barrie Warburton said: “I am not happy with this decision at all.”

Cllr Arthur Jones said: “The decision seems not to take into consideration the distances from Gwersyllt to the alternative chemists.”

Cllr Sheelagh Jones added: “There are some very awkward uphill walks to some of the alternative chemists.”

The council agreed unanimously decided to make its feelings about the appeal decision known to the Health Ministers.