High street pharmacies in Suffolk are under threat after plans for a major shake-up of a UK chain revealed all 1,300 of its stores could close.
LloydsPhamarcy - which has outlets in Woodbridge, Bury St Edmunds, Sudbury, Haverhill and Ipswich - has reportedly seen its private equity owner launch a strategic review of its entire UK store base, potentially leading to a sale of all of its pharmacies or closure.
The plans were described as a "national disgrace" by the Assocation of Independent Multiple Pharmacies, with leading Suffolk politicians warning it could prove "extremely problematic" for the elderly and those in rural areas.
Mayor of Subdury, Cllr Ellen Murphy, said she was "very disappointed and concerned" after hearing the news.
"I think this is awful," she added.
"It's particularly bad for the elderly and those with young children because how are they supposed to get medication if they can't drive?
"And if you call 111 out of hours and they tell you to pick up a prescription, how can you get it?
"The government keeps telling us to go to pharmacists when we have health concerns too.
"But if there aren't any, people will go to the doctor or those few pharmacies that do stay open - meaning they'll be under even more pressure.
"This isn't fair on the towns or villages that rely on their community pharmacies."
Earlier this year, LloydsPharmacy announced it would closing all of its supermarket units following a strategic review "in response to changing market conditions".
The threat to high-street pharmacies has been a topic of discussion in recent years, with hundreds permanently closing or changing opening hours in response to ongoing challenges.
"I am optimistic that Sainsbury's will find another partner for prescriptions," said Cllr John Cook, mayor of Ipswich.
"It's important that keep all shops and chains on our high streets.
"But this latest news is extremely problematic for those living in smaller towns and villages."
Lloyds Pharmacies and its owner, Aurelius Group, have been approached for comment.
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