Community pharmacies were rated the most essential local service in a recent survey of 1,000 UK adults.

The survey, which was carried out in June for the Association of Convenience Stores, found that local pharmacies were the number one business needed in a neighbourhood, followed by post offices and convenience stores.

Pharmacies were also rated as having the second most positive impact on the locality, with post offices rated first on this measure and convenience stores rated third. The ACS said these findings were consistent with its previous annual surveys and that the top three services “have often switched place” over the years.

ACS chief executive James Lowman said: “UK consumers are sending a very clear message that a diverse range of local services are essential to the wellbeing of their communities. Convenience stores are increasingly acting as service hubs, including post office counters, prescription collections and banking services within their businesses, which are highly valued by their customers.”

The survey also found that two-thirds of people would prefer to see investment in their local area, compared to 33 per cent who would wish to see investment in the town or city closest to them.

Mr Lowman commented: “The shift toward hybrid working patterns has led people to have more appreciation for the businesses that operate near them, and more demand for high quality local services. Local investment should be a key priority for the Government as it moves forward with its levelling up agenda.”