CAMPAIGNING Wyre Forest pharmacists have welcomed a Government decision to reject deregulation of the market - which they claim would have hit small chemists and their patients.

A study by the Office of Fair Trading had recommended scrapping current controls on pharmacies so any organisation could apply to dispense medicines.

But the Government has decided not to follow the advice, opting for measures to protect consumer choice and boost local access.

David Farnaby, who owns Vantage Pharmacy in Kidderminster's Comberton Hill, feared the proposals would drive independent pharmacists out of business and mean vulnerable patients would miss out on vital medication and advice.

He collected almost 1,000 petition signatures to fight the move and counterparts in Stourport and Bewdley also joined the campaign.

"The petition people signed and the help of MPs like Dr Richard Taylor has helped the survival of local small community pharmacists," he said.

But Mr Farnaby cautioned some deregulation authorised by the Government - such as permitting outlets in shopping centres of more than 15,000 sq metres - still posed a threat to the future of independent businesses.

"We're not 100 per cent happy.

"There's still a question mark about how the rules are going to be interpreted but we're in a much better position than January when we feared total deregulation," he said.

"The Government has recognised pharmacists as part of the primary health care team."

The new measures include an obligation on Wyre Forest Primary Care Trust - which buys health care for the district - to consider the impact on consumer choice when assessing applications for pharmacy services.

Patient choice will be boosted through internet and mail-order services.

Trade and Industry Secretary Patricia Hewitt said: "Community pharmacies play a vital role, particularly in rural and poorer areas, and we will do nothing to jeopardise their position.

"Pharmacists are trained clinicians, not simply shopkeepers, and they will have an even greater role in the NHS of the future.

"We do not believe simple deregulation is the best way to achieve our aims."