More than 330 people have signed a petition calling for the Government to drop plans which could lead to the closure of a Cockermouth pharmacy.

JWW Allison, on Main Street, is under threat as a result of proposed government cuts.

Up to 3,000 pharmacies are expected to close following plans to cut NHS funding by £170 million in the coming financial year. 

The petition calls for the Government to abandon the plans which will impact on "a vital frontline service which is part of the fabric of communities across England".

Set up by the National Pharmaceutical Association, it has been signed by more than 40,000 people online.

It states: "Under new government proposals many pharmacies could be forced to close.

"It would also put more pressure on GPs and local services, in the interests of patient care we urge the Prime Minister and Health Secretary to abandon the plans."

Nat Mitchell, JWW Allison pharmacist, said: "The ones with less resources will get squeezed out. 

"When 90 per cent of your income comes from NHS services, you can see how such indiscriminate cuts will destroy the smaller pharmacies.

"We get funded for prescriptions, health checks and flu jabs but there are many services which we offer that the NHS does not pay for.

"We offer free advice all the time, the phone is going all day long with people wanting to know all sorts of things. 

"We offer a delivery service and also sort out medication for vulnerable people, using a device which separates the different pills needed on different days or weeks. 

"This all takes up time and materials, for which we do not get paid.

"If we lose a massive chunk of our income it will have an effect."

Mr Mitchell has contacted Workington MP Sue Hayman, who spoke at Westminster this week about her concerns for the future of the high street.

Mrs Hayman said: "I mentioned Allisons in my speech because I am concerned about town centres and pharmacists are a part of that.

"Pharmacies are not just about prescriptions, they offer so much more, including advice and help which is so important. We know and trust Allisons."