A CORNERSTONE of the community will be closing down just three years before its centenary anniversary.

Lee's Pharmacy on Bennetts Lane will open for the last time on 29 February following the announcement of its closure.

The pharmacy has served generations in the surrounding area for nearly 100 years, however, it is closing due to funding cuts.

Patients have been moved over to a different pharmacy in the area, so they can continue receiving their prescribed medicines.

Chiman Patel, the Superintendent Pharmacist, said: "It is with great regret we are having to close Lee's Pharmacy, at 133 Bennett's Lane.

"We never thought this day would come but for the last 18 months pharmacy funding cuts have affected the viability of pharmacy and its existence.

"It has been a very challenging climate for all pharmacies in England and for Lee's Pharmacy this has become financially unviable.

"So one of the options we have taken is to merge the the pharmacy with our sister branch, Haslam's Pharmacy at 432 Halliwell Road.

"All the the patients can keep ordering their medication in the usual manner by ringing Haslam's Pharmacy and our pharmacist staff will help them in the usual friendly manner.

"Again I should like to thank all our patients and customers for supporting us in these stressful pharmacy climate.

"It is very sad to close it down after 97 years of being a community pharmacy at that site, all due to pharmacy funding cuts."

Lee's Pharmacy has been a much-used establishment in the area and has had had several owners during its lifetime, including Jimmy Bridge and David Lee.

The future use of the premises is yet to be confirmed.

You can contact Haslam's Pharmacy on 01204 840979.

For opening times you can visit the NHS website.