A new survey has shown that the public values a pharmacy on their local high street more than any other shop or business.

The poll was commissioned by non-profit government-backed smart meter organisation Smart Energy GB and interviewed 2,000 participants across Britain during April and May.

Among other questions regarding their thoughts on their local area, respondents were asked “what they would like to have on their dream high street”, a spokesperson told C+D last month (May 23).

Read more: Pharmacies to ‘turn out the lights’ on June 20 in ‘emergency’ protest

Some 1,161 respondents – representing 58% - chose “a decent pharmacy”, topping a list of 25 options.

In joint second place were a fruit and veg shop or grocer and a fish and chip shop at 55% each, followed by a butcher at 50%.

High streets “changed dramatically”

The survey also revealed that 98% of participants feel that their high street has “changed dramatically” in the last ten years.

Three-quarters (74%) said that this change has been for the worse, with 91% saying that they have seen shops on their high street close.

Over half of respondents (54%) added that they visit their local high street less frequently now than they did five years ago.

Read more: Closures 'skyrocketing' with ten a week closing in 2024, NPA warns

These statistics come as pharmacies across the UK will take part in a range of protest actions later this month including “turning the lights out” and asking staff to wear black to highlight the “growing crisis” in the sector.

It follows the news that pharmacy closures in rural areas have hit a four-year peak, with 13 shutting their doors in England last year.

Read more: Pharmacy closures in rural areas hit four-year peak, DH reveals

Nationwide closures also continue to skyrocket, with an average 10 pharmacies shuttering per week this year so far.

Meanwhile, Superdrug last month outlined plans to open 25 new stores on British high streets by the end of 2024.