BOOTS has confirmed it is not closing its Chard chemist in Fore Street.

The chain wants to quash fears of a closure among residents following news its opticians – a separate business – will be axed in the New Year.


RELATED: Boots Opticians in Chard is set to shut in January


A Boots spokesman said: “At Boots UK we’re committed to our presence in Chard and can confirm that our Boots UK store on Fore Street will remain open and trading as normal.”

The confusion comes after the Chard and Ilminster news reported on the opticians proposed closure next year.

A spokesman for Boots Opticians said: "We can confirm that our practice in Chard will be closing early next year.

"We have been speaking to all of our patients individually and will be transferring their records to our nearby practice in Taunton.”

But opticians franchisee Cathy Barnett says she is ‘determined’ to keep it open and said she is in negotiations with the chain.

She said: "When I heard about Boots' decision to close the store, I was shocked.

“I have been working for Boots for 23 years and just knew that someone had to fight to keep it open as I didn’t feel I could abandon my patients - they would have to find another optician or travel to Taunton.

"I have a great team of loyal staff who work for me and I knew that if the store closed they would all be out of a job.

"It just wasn't an option for me, I couldn't let it happen."