Portland Mayor urges Boots to reconsider reported closure

Boots is set to close down the pharmacy in Fortuneswell on Portland on January 13, 2024.

The pharmacy is one of just two on the island of 14,000 people.

News of the reported closure has worried residents of Portland, who question whether the Easton pharmacy would be able to handle the increased demand.

The Mayor of Portland, Cllr Carralyn Parkes, said she is worried about the proposals and will campaign against the closure.

Cllr Parkes said: "As an Underhill councillor and Mayor of Portland I will campaign vigorously against it.

"If the pharmacy closes it will cause enormous hardship to Fortuneswell.

"The pharmacy in Easton is only a mile and a half away, but what I don't think they realise is that we have the lowest car ownership in the county, there is a huge hill to get from Fortuneswell to Easton and people may have to pay for a bus.

"It could price people out of access to prescription medicine or asking for health advice."

Mayor Parkes said she has not been given a reason why the pharmacy is closing and has written to the CEO of Boots asking them to reconsider.

She also praised the pharmacy staff who go above and beyond to help the local residents who visit the shop.

"The staff are marvellous," Cllr Parkes added, "They go way above the basic needs of the job.

Portland Mayor Carralyn Parkes spoke to concerned residents outside Boots in Fortuneswell (Image: Tom Lawrence)

"It is a local institution, it is not just medications, they offer health advice and administer vaccines.

"It is a much-loved part of the community and losing it would be devastating."

Jo Dolbear, chairwoman of Portland Carers Support Group, said: "The Portland community has been left reeling at this news.

Jo Dolbear (centre) joined fellow residents Cecil Dolbear and Tracy McCarthy outside Boots (Image: Tom Lawrence)

"The two Boots chemists on the island cannot meet the demand, so if one closes we are doomed yet again.

"This cannot be allowed to happen, we need everyone on board with this one."

Boots would not comment on the closure and said that it is "prioritising employees".

A petition has been started by local resident Nigel Blacoe.

The petition to keep the pharmacy has already received more than 500 signatures.

Mr Blacoe said: "I started a petition, I have sent an email to the CEO of Boots, I contacted Richard Drax, we are trying to get as many signatures as we can."

The issue of Boots closing is also set to be discussed at the next full council meeting at Portland Town Council