A Bucks pharmacist has branded the government “thoughtless” this week after plans were announced to axe £170 million in funding, potentially resulting in the closure of one in five pharmacies across the county.

Buckinghamshire County Council say that proposed cuts, which could take effect as early as October this year, could force the closure of 20 of the county’s 97 pharmacies.

An online petition against the cuts, which has almost 60,000 signatures, is set to be presented to the government on May 24 along with paper versions which are in pharmacies across Bucks.

Pharmacists have accused the government of failing to recognise the extent of the services they offer, which include flu vaccinations, emergency contraception, chlamydia testing and smoking cessation services.

Julie Horslan, an independent community pharmacist in Prestwood, said: “The government are acting without any real thought, they are just bringing down a blunt axe on pharmacies.

“If the cuts go through there will be a reduction in services and staffing levels that we provide. It’s going to have a real impact on our community.

“They clearly do not understand what a community pharmacy does and recognise the things we do for free on a daily basis. My pharmacy is part of the fabric of my community.

“We did over 500 flu jabs last year alone and we did the most on the over 70s and there carers. If the funding is lost we won’t be able to provide this level of protection.

“I am asking the government to please think about it and to talk to us. Then we can explain why cutting these funds would be so detrimental to our community.”

Mrs Horslan confirmed she has met with Chesham and Amersham MP Cheryl Gillan, who has since written a letter to health secretary Jeremy Hunt on the matter.

Cllr Julia Wassell, from Bucks County Council, said: “The pharmacy services are a great British success story and are a cornerstone of our health system.

“Although the government may feel that the cuts are saving money, the loss of medical consultations will put more pressure on GPs – it’s a false economy.”

To sign the petition against the cuts visit https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/116943.