Mountford Pharmacy has appealed for support to help tackle its issues with a row of newly-installed bollards outside its store, reports Grace Howarth, Local Democracy Reporter

The bollards installed outside Mountford Pharmacy in New Barnet

Barnet Council says it has no plans to remove bollards or make other changes despite access concerns being raised by a New Barnet pharmacy.

Mountford Pharmacy in East Barnet Road has appealed for support to help tackle its issues with a row of newly-installed bollards outside its store.

A staff member said the bollards were “severely hindering access for patients, particularly those with disabilities and elderly individuals”.

They said: “The barriers now make it difficult for these vulnerable groups to easily access the pharmacy and collect their life-saving medications.

“Many are concerned that this decision has not considered the impact on those who rely on easy, safe access to essential healthcare services.”

A council spokesperson said patients could still park on the side of the road, in front of the store, if they had a Blue Badge.

The spokesperson said: “The bollards have been installed to protect pedestrians from vehicles illegally mounting the pavement to park. Blue Badge holders are still able to park on the road outside the pharmacy.”

Regulations state Blue Badge holders can park on single or double yellow lines for up to three hours, and the stretch of road in front of the store features a single yellow line restriction.

Patients without a Blue Badge will have to park on a different road and, given East Barnet Road lies within a controlled parking zone (CPZ), may face restricted options.

The Blue Badge scheme is for people with severe mobility problems but also includes individuals with non-visible disabilities.

Mountford Pharmacy has recommended a loading bay for patients so that they have at least 15 minutes to collect their medications without worrying about parking wardens, but this idea was dismissed.

The pharmacy has urged local councillors and MPs to support the store in finding “a solution”.

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