Residents and business owners in Glastonbury are taking to the streets in protest today following yesterday's permanent closure of the local Boots store.

The closure has led to a public outcry and leaves the town with only one remaining pharmacy, Knights on Feversham Lane. Emma King, a Glastonbury businesswoman and Unite delegate to Mendip TUC, organised a protest held outside the now-shuttered Boots store at noon today.

Emma King said, "The closure of Boots on Glastonbury High Street is of serious concern to the residents here and in surrounding areas. Especially since Tesco's pharmacy has also closed, leaving the community with just one pharmacy that's already struggling to meet the needs of the town and its many visitors."

The absence of local pharmacies leaves many residents with limited options, particularly those without their own means of transport. Emma Knight continued, "Travelling to alternative pharmacies is not a viable option. What we need to know is if NHS Somerset has a plan to ensure a smooth transition of services so that patients will not be impacted by pharmacy closures?"

According to King, other pharmacies in the region have faced similar pressures, with over 70 closing down in the south-west in recent years. She emphasised the vital role played by pharmacists, especially during the pandemic, and questioned authorities about contingency plans to ensure uninterrupted service for residents.

In a statement, Boots said: "Evolving the store estate in this way allows Boots to concentrate its team members where they are needed and focus investment more acutely in individual stores with the ambition of consistently delivering an excellent and reliable service in a fresh and up-to-date environment."

Paul Chambers, the owner of The Comic Store, has confirmed that his shop will be moving from its current location in Abbey Mews and into the former Boots store, hoping to open on December 1st.