BOOTS in Wincanton is closing next year, it has been claimed.

The store, in the High Street, is understood to be among dozens of shops being closed by the pharmacy giant in the coming months as part of a UK-wide ‘consolidation’ by the firm.

Boots has not confirmed the locations of any stores set to close under the scheme.

However, Wincanton Town Council has written to the company, expressing its “disappointment” and calling on bosses to reconsider any closure decision regarding the High Street branch.

“The store and its prime location is a vital resource to Wincanton town centre for many residents and will be a huge loss to the community,” the letter said.

“It is the only chemist within the town centre, which residents rely on for their prescriptions, medication supplies and expert advice.”

The council said residents had “expressed their frustration” at the move, which they say will be the loss of a “valuable resource”.

READ MORE: Wincanton dentist going private due to ‘underfunded’ NHS services

“The closure of the branch will not only result in the loss of local employment, but also severely affect essential services available to residents,” the letter went on.

“Wincanton Town Council urges Boots to seriously reconsider the decision to close this vital store and save it for the Wincanton community.”

The closure comes after dentist, the Wincanton Smile Centre, announced in August it was going private in response to the “underfunding” of services by the NHS.

Click here to read Wincanton Town Council’s letter to Boots in full (opens in a new window)

Boots has been contacted for comment.