Almost 1,200 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". 

Nat Mitchell, pharmacist, said: "The response has been quite overwhelming.

"People are worried and uncertain about the future of the pharmacy, which is their future as well.

"Normally the Government carries out public consultations before making such decisions but they have not in this case so we want to tell them what patients think.

"Hopefully they are clever enough to know that patients also vote."

The petition was set up by the National Pharmaceutical Association and has been signed by nearly 100,000 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." 

Mr Mitchell said: "People clearly feel strongly about this, they have clearly nailed their colours to the mast. We are very grateful for their support."

Pharmacies get funded for prescriptions, health checks and flu jabs but there are many free services which they offer that the NHS does not pay for, such as advice and a delivery service. 

Mr Mitchell added: "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."