PLANS have been made to set-up a new pharmacy in Springside.

Representatives of the Springside Pharmacy have been in consultation with NHS North Ayrshire and Arran, with the site for the new facility to be at 55 Main Road, which is near the new Spar store.

Before the official application process gets underway, the group are completing a consultation period to gather views from the community about the proposals.

The information gathered from this will be made available to the Health Board’s Pharmacy Practices Committee when it meets to consider the application.

The opinions will be gathered through a survey, which will be available to complete online, where they will be asked about the location, opening times and if there is a sufficient need for the pharmacy in the area.

A spokesperson for the Springside Pharmacy said: “Springside residents have long felt a need for health services within the village. There was talk of a GP surgery for a while but little has happened.

“Nearby villages benefit from a variety of health care services and now Springside Pharmacy will be making an application and be proud to deliver a local health service to local residents.” The group presented their proposals to the Irvine Area Committee this week and impressed Chairperson and Provost, Joan Sturgeon, who praised their work on the project so far.

The representatives of the pharmacy explained that they hope for a decision to be made in mid-October on whether a formal application is going to be made.

A spokesperson for North Ayrshire Council said: “We would encourage as many local people as possible to take part in the consultation on the proposed pharmacy at 55 Main Road, Springburn.

“The consultation aims to gather the opinions of local residents to see if they feel that they already have adequate access to pharmacy services in the area and will also gauge the levels of support for the new pharmacy.

“All submissions must be received before noon on Wednesday, October 21.”