Animals instead of humans will be getting their drugs from Nailsworth now that a vets is coming to the town in place of a pharmacy.

Work can now begin on independent veterinary practice on George Street at the site of an old Lloyds pharmacy after planning permission was granted by Stroud District Council on May 18.

The vets is intended to be a small practice - larger animals and those needing to be hospitalised or kept overnight will have to be treated elsewhere.

But the surgery will still have an operating theatre with radiography, dentistry, and ultrasound facilities.

Anticipated opening hours will be from 9am until 6.30pm on weekdays, and afternoons on Saturdays.

Before SDC made its decision, several Nailsworth residents voiced their support for the vets, especially if it meant not having to head to another town to get help for their pets.

“If this building does not change its use, it could end up being just another charity shop or cafe in Nailsworth” said one person who wrote to the council.

“This gives the opportunity to have an independent veterinary practice in a town which is growing and needs one.”

“The alternative is to go to a practice in Stroud which is not particularly large and is very difficult to get into.”

The town council expects a boost to trade in Nailsworth.

“We welcome the vets and the new business and employment it will bring,” said Katherine Kearns, Nailsworth Town Council’s clerk.

The application for the vets was made on behalf of Nailsworth Mills Estate, which owns other property in the town and made the case to SDC that there was no current demand for retail floor space.

No changes will be made to the building externally and nor to the adjacent car park.