Just one month after Somerfield announced it is closing its Frome store in the Westway precinct, Lloyds pharmacy has followed suit.
The pharmacy has confirmed that it will be closing its store, also in the Westway precinct, in June this year.
Dave Sanders, area manager, Lloyds pharmacy told the Frome Times that the company has given three months’ notice to Somerset Primary Care Trust to close the pharmacy in Frome. He said, “The decision to close the pharmacy is due to it unfortunately no longer being a financially sustainable business.
“We have a commitment to the community in Frome and customers will be able to continue to access pharmacy services at our pharmacy in Forest Road. This will include a free repeat prescription delivery service for customers who find it difficult to get to the Forest Road branch.”
Frome’s Chamber of Commerce has said that it hopes Lloyds pharmacy will consider moving to a smaller premises in the town. President of the Chamber of Commerce, Martin Short told the Frome Times, “It is very sad news that Lloyds pharmacy has indicated that it may be closing its shop in the precinct.
“If the pharmacy does go, the chamber would be very concerned about the loss of jobs.”
Somerfield is due to close its doors on 3rd April. Gareth Hunt, managing director of Maybrook Properties, which owns the Westway precinct said that the company is in talks with three interested parties to move into the unit.
Martin Short added, “As with Somerfield, it does provide an opportunity for another retailer to come in and there is a lack of large retail units in the town, so it would free up a large unit for a retailer not already represented in the town. One example could be a men’s clothes retailer.
“The other possibility that the chamber is considering is that Lloyds could take up one of the smaller units in the town.”
Frome’s mayor, councillor Damon Hooton said, “It is really disappointing that they feel the need to go. I believe that as far as the economy is concerned, we are turning a corner. I think it may be a short-sighted decision of them to go now and hopefully they will change their mind.”
