Customers of Sidmouth's new independent pharmacy have praised its 'excellent' service - and the owners say business is going well.

Celso Farina and Jose Castillo took over the former Lloyds Pharmacy at 81, High Street, and reopened it as Sidmouth Pharmacy at the end of October.

Celso told the Herald they are aware that the impending closure of the Boots pharmacy at Woolbrook has created a gap in the market, but he and his business partner don’t want to exploit that – they are committed to serving the community and being the ‘pharmacy of choice’ for people.

They are also hoping to introduce a free delivery service for prescriptions in the New Year, as they are aware that their shop will be difficult for some Boots Woolbrook customers to get to.

Celso said: “The news of the Woolbrook pharmacy closing has caused a lot of anxiety. Of course, this represents a business opportunity for us, but I think we are all tired about companies chasing the profit without thinking about the users at the end of the line.

“We are an owner-run business and that means that decisions are taken in store, taking into account our patients’ needs.

“All in all, business is going well, we’ve had a lot of people coming in and saying they’re thinking of switching to us.”

He said he and Jose would welcome suggestions for other services they could offer, in addition to the free prescription deliveries.

Those who have used Sidmouth Pharmacy so far have been impressed by the service offered by Celso and Jose.

Commenting on Facebook, one customer said: “Great customer service. Really helpful and positive.”

Another said: “Great service, so helpful in getting what I needed before going to have knee replacement on 16 Dec, got all meds in till end of January.”

"Excellent service, polite and friendly," was another comment.

The Boots pharmacy in Woolbrook Road is due to shut down in February 2024 as part of a programme to cut the company’s number of shops by 300. Boots said it was closing branches where another Boots shop was located nearby. Boots has a shop in Sidmouth High Street, which includes a Boots Eyecare store next door.

The MP for East Devon, Simon Jupp, is campaigning against the closure of the Woolbrook branch and started a petition to save it earlier this year.