New Health & Transport Services Now Available in West Norwich
As featured in a recent edition of the EDP, the UEA’s on-campus pharmacy has been confirmed to re-open this year under new, independent management. With the health system stretched so thin, this will come as welcome relief not just to the students but to the entire community of the area.
Last July, the news came that Boots would be pulling out of the on-campus pharmacy; however, thanks to independent pharmacist Anand Patel, residents and students alike will once again be able to enjoy convenient, local medical help. Mr Patel’s application for a pharmacy contract, originally submitted in October of last year, has been approved and we can look forward to the autumn return of this invaluable resource.
Lib Dem candidate for Norwich South in the 2024 general election, Sean Bennett, with University Ward spokesperson James Hawketts, in front of the pharmacy in West Earlham. Pharmacies, like many elements of the health service, have suffered under the Conservative government, and we're delighted to see the people of West Norwich receive better coverage.
In other news, the blue bus line (25/26), which runs through our area to the UEA, will soon be augmented with night-time services. Last year the Liberal Democrats brought a motion to Norwich City Council supporting and encouraging the campaign for this important service to return.Our motion was passed unanimously and we are delighted by this recent welcome news.
The blue line used to run late into the night but this was scaled back post-lockdown. After a long but ultimately successful campaign, however, part of the £50,000,000 awarded to Norfolk County Council specifically for improving bus services has been dedicated to the purpose of returning this crucial service to Norwich. A night-time service between the UEA area and the city centre is good news for everybody. Women should be able to feel safer when out at night, students generally should be able to get home safer without the need for long walks down residential streets, and workers on night shifts will have a more reliable commute.
James Hawketts, Lib Dem spokesperson for University Ward, said: “This is fantastic news for our whole community; students, residents, and all. Both the pharmacy and night bus have been sorely missed in and around the UEA so it really is excellent that all parties involved could come to an agreement to bring them back.”
