Arundel finally gets a second pharmacy – after a years-long battle by campaigners

Back in 2017, Colin Stepney and June Barker began, what turned out to be, a long campaign to bring a pharmacy back to the town. The intention was always to have a second pharmacy and not for it to replace the current Lloyds Pharmacy.

Despite thousands of signatures, written testimonials, presentations and a final Appeal to the NHS, the request was turned down in 2019. Both Colin and June felt they had completely ignored two major facts:

That Arundel is a very busy tourist town, and; for more than half of the town’s residents, the busy A27 has to be negotiated in order to get to the current pharmacy beside Arundel Surgery.

In August 2022, they met with Martin Chisanga a qualified pharmacist who lives locally. He was surprised there was no pharmacy in the centre of the town, and strongly felt there should be. True to his word he started looking for premises, and with luck on his side, No. 20 The High Street became available and in the perfect position.

Martin said: “I am very excited to be opening an independent retail pharmacy with a patient-centred focus right in the centre of Arundel. With continued support, we hope to demonstrate our commitment and desire to improving access to pharmaceutical services for Arundel.

"It is on this basis that we hope the NHS will review their decision regarding access to NHS services at Arundel Pharmacy.

“In the meantime, we continue to look forward to working collaboratively with the already established local healthcare providers in the best possible way.”

The pharmacy was opened on Friday by Arundel and South Downs MP Andrew Griffith.

He said: “This is great news for Arundel’s residents who have been actively campaigning for a second pharmacy in the heart of the town.

"Martin Chisanga has my full support.

“It was a privilege to officially open Arundel Pharmacy and to welcome Martin and his family to Arundel where I know they will receive the warm gratitude and custom of local residents.

"It is important for us all to support small businesses on our high streets, but it is also important to have the right businesses, which is why I am so pleased that Arundel has a pharmacist in the town centre once again.”