A VILLAGE could be about to lose its lifeline pharmacy after a developer applied for permission to replace it with flats.

In an application published on Halton Council's website on Thursday, the developer's agents described the Appleton Village Pharmacy as "somewhat unsightly" and said the proposed three-storey block of flats would represent a £4 million investment in Widnes.

The agents wrote: "It will vastly improve both this former industrial site and wider residential area.

"The final scheme will provide much-needed, high-quality residential accommodation for the local residents for a diverse mix of occupants."

The developer, a Mr N Nasr, already has planning permission for a similar block behind the pharmacy, and intends this second block to "complement" those flats and create a "residential complex".

Mr Nasr's agents, Constructive Thinking, wrote in the application: "The final development will be a wonderful contemporary residential complex that knits into existing urban fabric.

"It will improve this part of Appleton Village immensely, creating pleasing views to the street scene as well as into and across the site."

The development would mean the loss of the pharmacy, which has been operating for around six years and is one of the few late-opening chemists in the area.

Appleton councillor Ged Philbin declined to comment on the application until he had seen more details about the proposals.