Yahoo News Devon pharmacy Jhoots hit with repossession notice
Residents in Holsworthy have lost their only pharmacy in the town centre after it was served with a repossession notice. Jhoots Pharmacy in The Square closed down after bailiffs entered the premises.
Patients now wanting to collect their prescriptions have to go to Holsworthy Medical Centre in Dobles Lane. Bill Hughes, the landlord of the premises, has confirmed bailiffs entered the pharmacy, previously a LloydsPharmacy, in the early hours of May 1, as no rent had been paid.
He said: "The Holsworthy branch is closed and I am not aware that it has relocated. The only other chemist in Holsworthy is located within the doctor's surgery on the outskirts of town.
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"I feel deeply sorry for the people of Holsworthy as this was their only town centre chemist. It's another blow to the centre of the town but, unfortunately, we had no alternative but to take action.
"Our solicitor tried constantly to make contact with the company, including serving a section 40 notice, never once receiving a reply. Eventually, bailiffs were instructed as no lease was in place, plus no rent had been paid.
"If you feel sorry for us, think of the poor manageress who we think had worked there 20 or so years finding herself one morning locked out, on the pavement, unable to get into work, not knowing if she even had a job. Seeing that gave us no pleasure whatsoever, it just highlighted the company's attitude."
The possession notice on the premises was issued by Strikes Property Services Ltd. It states: "Take notice that the landlord and/ or enforcement agent has today re-entered (2 and 3 The Square, Holsworthy, EX22 6DL) in accordance with the landlord's power under the lease. As a consequence of the re-entry, the lease is forfeited and the premises have been secured.
"And take notice that no one can lawfully enter the premises unless they have been authorised by the landlord. Any attempt to enter the premises without the landlord's authority may be a criminal offence and result in prosecution."
LloydsPharmacy – once the second biggest pharmacy chain in the UK – filed for liquidation in January. The previous November it was reported Jhoots Pharmacy had bought 36 former LloydsPharmacy branches using a £17.4 million loan from HSBC.
According to HSBC, it meant Jhoots Pharmacy owned and operated 63 pharmacies in the UK. Jhoots Pharmacy describes itself as having 'a number of independent pharmacies' located nationwide, claiming to offer a 'fast, reliable service to all our clients'.
Jhoots Pharmacy website states: "We enjoy a strong trustworthy reputation based on our adherence to the highest professionalism and customer service standards."
A chemist has been located in The Square for many years. Jhoots Pharmacy took over the former Lloyds Pharmacy.
In April, a repossession notice was also served on a Jhoots Pharmacy, in Rainham Shopping Centre in Gillingham, Kent. A week later it then reopened to a vacant unit. Jhoots Pharmacy have been approached for a comment.
