A forum has warned people to steer clear of a medication delivery service due to fears it may “undercut” local pharmacies.

The president of the Enfield Over 50s Forum, Monty Meth has issued a warning to people receiving letters from Pharmacy2U about ordering prescriptions online that the service poses a threat to pharmacies in Enfield.

The pharmacists feature the NHS logo on their letters as well as the company’s logo, causing people to people to believe that the letter has come from their own pharmacists.

Mr Meth said: “It undercuts the work of our local pharmacists whom we can approach at any time for advice, and it undermines the regular check-up we all ought to have with our GPs."

The NHS has called on GPs to introduce an electronic prescription service in which GPs can prescribe medication online.

Mr Meth added: “Your pharmacy is a vital part of the lifeblood of the local community. One pharmacist told us that prescription medicines generate some 75 per cent of their business. Lose that and there'll be more shops boarded up in Enfield.”

However, Dr Julian Harrison, a director at Pharmacy2U, said the service is a “useful option” and “well-established.

She said: “The service is well-established and used by thousands of patients who require regular medication.

“It tends to be a useful option for those who don’t find a traditional high street pharmacy a convenient choice and is often popular with people who work long hours, the elderly and housebound and busy commuters who want to save time.

“We have an experienced and friendly customer service team, who receive excellent feedback from patients.

“You can also speak to a pharmacist for advice and guidance about your medication.

“We’ve been writing to tell patients that our repeat prescription service is now an option for them. The letter clearly states that it is from Pharmacy2U, so I am sorry if anyone has been confused by it.”