A PHARMACY in Rhos-on-Sea welcomed back customers yesterday (September 26) after more than three weeks of refurbishment following fire damage.

Rowlands Pharmacy, on Rhos Road, held a special event to mark the re-opening, with Cllr Ricki Owen, mayor of Colwyn Bay, cutting the blue ribbon to invite customers back in.

The event saw staff, partners, customers and residents come together and welcome the chance to take a first look at the new-look branch.  

It continues to be run by Ann, Maheen and Carys, alongside their pharmacist, Martyn Warren.

Inside the new-look Rowlands Pharmacy in Rhos-on-SeaInside the new-look Rowlands Pharmacy in Rhos-on-Sea (Image: Keith Freeburn) An accidental fire, believed to have been caused by an electrical fault, broke out at the premises on the evening of August 21, resulting in 25 per cent fire damage and 95 per cent heat damage.

The pharmacy re-opened temporarily from a portacabin shortly afterwards.

Ann, healthcare partner, said: “It’s been a wonderful re-opening morning here at Rowlands Pharmacy in Rhos-on-Sea. 

“It was lovely to welcome back our customers and resume full service from our new-look premises.”

Dawn Jones, area manager, added: “I’d like to thank all our staff, customers, members of the local healthcare community and Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board for their support throughout our refurbishment.

“Operating out of temporary accommodation involved a brilliant team effort from everyone and it is with enormous thanks to everyone we were able to continue serving the healthcare needs of our customers.”

Hannah Thomas, of Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, said: “Community pharmacies are so important in providing access to everyday healthcare, so I’m proud to have supported Rowlands Pharmacy in getting this much needed amenity back open again.”

Funded by NHS Wales, the pharmacy offers advice in treating a range of conditions, from seasonal illnesses to common skin and clinical conditions.

This is in addition to assembling prescription medicines, offering vaccination services, over-the-counter medications, emergency contraception and discharge medicine reviews.

Its opening hours are 9am-6pm from Monday to Friday, and 9am-5pm on Saturdays.