Community pharmacies have been rated the most essential local service in a new poll by the Association of Convenience Stores.

The ACS community barometer survey, published today (August 5), found that pharmacies were seen as the most essential service out of a list of 16, followed by convenience stores and post offices. They were also seen as having the second most positive impact on local communities after convenience stores.

Pharmacies were also seen as having the second greatest impact on rising house prices, with post offices coming first.

National Pharmacy Association chief executive Mark Lyonette said: “It’s no surprise that community pharmacies are once again on top of this annual ranking of public opinion, which highlights what people regard as essential local assets. A pharmacy is part of the fabric of society, as well as being a frontline health service.”

Association of Convenience Stores chief executive James Lowman said: “Many of the positively viewed services in this report, such as post offices, coffee shops and pharmacies, are featured within modern convenience stores, especially in rural and isolated areas where there’s only one place for people to go to get their essentials locally.”