A pharmacy has had to deliver to customers so they can still get prescriptions while roadworks block access.
Works outside FT Taylor, in Courtlands Drive, North Watford, have made it very difficult for some people to access the pharmacy or park nearby since they began on April 1.
To make sure people are still able to get their medicine, it has encouraged those struggling to get there to call and arrange a delivery to them at no extra charge.
Owner Purvi Barchha said: “The work is literally directly outside. People can’t access from one side at all.
“We normally do deliveries anyway but lots of people don’t know or don’t think to ask."
“If people don’t collect their prescriptions, they aren’t getting medicine on time or they might be delaying their treatment," she added.
"It might prevent treatment progressing. People rely on their prescriptions.”
Locals reacted to a post publicising the deliveries by calling them “amazing”, “much appreciated”, and “old-school customer service”. A number of people added that the business’ customers are grateful.
FT Taylor is classified as an essential pharmacy, meaning there are no others that people can use within a one-mile radius.
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The pharmacy manager explained that it is a challenging time for the business as drug costs from suppliers are skyrocketing and the roadworks have started impacting footfall.
Commenting on the works, she added: “I wasn’t very happy about it as it also hits our business.
"Businesses, especially small businesses, are going through a very difficult time.
“Costs are going up and it’s the small businesses that get squeezed.”
The works are being undertaken by Cadent and are expected to be complete by April 16.
Essential gas maintenance in the road is being done to replace old iron gas mains with new durable plastic pipes.
The company says this is “to ensure we continue to provide safe and reliable gas supplies to local businesses and residents”, in the works description.
FT Taylor Pharmacy is also set to start offering booster jabs next week, for over-75s and young children who are immunosuppressed.
Staff are hoping the works will be completed soon and won’t discourage people from coming in for jabs.
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