Supporters who fought to save a village pharmacy gathered together this month to celebrate its opening after a long battle.
Owner Abdool Kureeman invited 30 residents, councillors, campaigners and an MP to celebrate their victory at Buckley Pharmacy in Ashtead on Friday, October 11.
The new Buckley Pharmacy opened in the Street in August after Mr Kureeman fought a year-long battle to bring a new pharmacy to Ashtead following the closure of Lloyds Pharmacy in February last year.
In June 2012 Mr Kureeman's application to open a new pharmacy in exactly the same spot was refused by the NHS, to the outrage of the community.
But his second application, to open a pharmacy with an expanded range of public health services in the Barclays Bank’s old premises, was approved in April this year.
Epsom and Ewell MP Chris Grayling, who attended the celebration this month, said: "I am so pleased you won the battle.
"Our local community needs Buckley pharmacy and have they shown their support, not only local residents but the neighbouring shops too."
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