Temporary Pharmacy Arrives in Warminster After Successful Campaign

Residents of Warminster will soon benefit from increased healthcare provision following the official approval of a new temporary pharmacy facility.

Locals may have already spotted the arrival of a green shipping container at the Broadway parade of shops. Now connected to existing services, this container has been signed off by the Regulator as a suitable temporary measure while the applicant works behind the scenes to organise stock, staffing, and delivery vehicles.

The development marks a significant victory for local healthcare advocates. The town was left in a difficult situation after the closure of the Avenue branch in October 2023. Following the closure, Health and Wellbeing Warminster campaigned tirelessly to secure Wiltshire Council’s agreement on the need for a reinstated third pharmacy.

To move forward, the application had to demonstrate “unforeseen benefits”. This was achieved by strategically placing the new facility in the west of the town to serve the West Warminster Urban Extension (Jubilee Gardens) and by proposing additional opening hours. Planning permission for both this temporary site and a subsequent permanent facility was officially granted last year.

In a recent statement, the Secretary of Health and Wellbeing Warminster also addressed common queries regarding the chosen location. When asked why existing vacant retail premises in the town were not used, it was explained that the specific conditions of the application precluded their use. While the applicant was made aware of potential alternative sites—such as the vacated Vets4Pets on Victoria Road—the final decision ultimately rests with the applicant, as pharmacies operate as private businesses much like GP surgeries.

Although existing providers Boots Market Place and Well pharmacies have increased their capacity, the influx of residents from new-build estates has made a third pharmacy a necessity for the expanding town.

Health and Wellbeing Warminster expressed pride in the successful campaign, noting that while other Wiltshire towns have struggled to reinstate similar services, Warminster is poised to welcome much-needed additional capacity.