A RECENTLY-OPENED Widnes chemist claims it has become the victim of a vendetta and smear campaign.

Appleton Village Pharmacy says their premises have been egged, their water supply cut off and their staff stalked.

Pharmacist Paul Doherty says he has no idea who is behind the ‘sabotage’ but he has vowed to continue serving the local community.

Dad-of-three Paul, aged 33, who runs the pharmacy with 11 staff, said: “We are not sure who is carrying out these activities, we just want it to stop.

“Rumours that we provide a needle exchange and methodone are completely untrue. We don’t have a drop of methadone here.

“After seven months, we are an extremely busy pharmacy.”

Their external water tap was snapped off six weeks ago, leaving them without a supply for 12 hours.

Paul, a pharmacist for 10 years, added: “A car has been waiting for us when we open to try and spook us.

“I have not reported any of this to the police because I have no evidence and I don’t want to waste police time.

“We want to be at the heart of our community which is why we sponsor Widnes Vikings development squad.

“What better way to promote health than with a sport like rugby.”

Staff are wearing fancy dress all week in aid of Sport Relief.

The pharmacy, which opens from 7am to 11pm Monday to Friday, 8am to 10pm Saturday, and 10am to 4pm on Sunday, prides itself on preventing illness.

Staff offer blood pressure and diabetes screening and encourage smokers to quit.

Paul added: “The most rewarding part of my job is when we deliver medication to someone who is elderly or disabled and is in a lot of pain and they say ‘thank you’.

“We go out of our way and beyond the call of duty because we want to provide a good old-fashioned service.

“People can come in and ask me anything and I will give my honest opinion.

“I have three children so I have a good knowledge of all the childhood ailments, I have been through it all."