Residents and business owners in Glastonbury are planning a protest following the announcement that the local Boots store is set to close its doors for good.

Despite strong quarterly retail sales, the pharmacy chain has confirmed the permanent closure of seven branches, including the one in Glastonbury, by Friday, October 13.

The closure has led to a public outcry, particularly as it leaves the town with only one remaining pharmacy, Knights on Feversham Lane.

Emma Knight, a Glastonbury businesswoman and Unite delegate to Mendip TUC, has organised a protest to be held outside the Boots store at noon on October 14.

Emma expressed her concern saying, "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."

"Travelling to alternative pharmacies is not a viable option for those without their own means of transport. What we need to know is if NHS Somerset has a plan to ensure smooth transition of services so that patients will not be impacted by pharmacy closures?"

According to Knight, 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 the authorities about contingency plans to ensure uninterrupted service for the residents.

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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."