Clwyd West MS Darren Millar met with Boots this week to urge them to review their decision to close stores in Colwyn Bay and Rhos-on-Sea.
During the meeting, Darren expressed disappointment that there was no engagement with elected representatives prior to their closure announcements and called on the company to reconsider their decision given the impact on patients, customers and staff, and the vacancies that closures would cause in important shopping centres.
However, Boots made it clear that their decisions were final and that there is no prospect of them keeping the stores open.
Speaking after the meeting, Darren said:
“I was extremely disappointed to hear of this decision by Boots and was particularly concerned that they made no contact with myself, or other elected members, to discuss their plans.
“I was pleased to have the opportunity to meet with bosses to relay the concerns of my constituents, but the firm is adamant that the closures will be going ahead. I expressed concern about the impact the closures would have on patients and customers, particularly the elderly and vulnerable, and also the staff who work at both stores.
“They explained that the store closures are part of a consolidation of the business that will result in 300 branches closing across the UK. The leases on both stores are up and this, along with customer data, had factored in their decision-making.
“They sought to reassure me that all staff affected by the closures will be redeployed to other local stores and that pharmacy patients will be encouraged to use other nearby Boots stores in Old Colwyn and Penrhyn Bay.
“Sadly, they made it clear to me that there will be no U-turns on their decision and these closures will be going ahead in March and April.”
In a letter to Darren following the meeting, a spokesperson for Boots said:
“We do understand your disappointment and frustration regarding the decisions that Boots has taken to close our store at Station Road, Colwyn Bay, and the local pharmacy in Rhos-on-Sea.
“As we explained during our call, the decisions have been very carefully considered and follow detailed assessment of all relevant operational, financial and property information; a process which has led us to conclude, regrettably, that the two stores are no longer viable.
“Our priority now is looking after our team members impacted by these decisions, and I would like to reiterate that all colleagues are being offered alternative employment in other Boots stores nearby.
“We will also be working closely with the Health Board and local GP surgeries in the coming weeks to ensure that patients are informed and supported to have their care and prescriptions transferred so there is continuity in access to medicines and the provision of healthcare advice and services. We hope that many patients will choose to stay with Boots and transfer to our pharmacies in Old Colwyn or Penrhyn Bay, although we accept that it may be more convenient for some patients to transfer to alternative pharmacy providers based in Colwyn Bay depending on their individual circumstances.”
Rhos-on-Sea is scheduled to close on the 23rd March and Colwyn Bay on the 6th April.
