A pharmacy that has been serving a community for the last 38 years is to close its doors for good.

Colne Health Centre Pharmacy on Craddock Road will permanently close to all patients and customers from this Friday, August 28, and the company will subsequently be placed into liquidation on September 1.

All staff and local GP surgeries have been informed of the closure, with notices now on display in the pharmacy advising all visiting patients and customers to seek alternative arrangements at other nearby pharmacies.

A spokesperson for Colne Health Centre Pharmacy, said: “We deeply regret having to close the pharmacy.

"We have done everything we possibly can, but it is simply no longer financially viable to stay open after several years of making a loss.

"We did try to negotiate a rent reduction with our landlords – the NHS – but sadly that was not forthcoming.

“We would like to thank all our staff for their hard work and dedication over the years, providing excellent essential healthcare services to patients and thank all our valued patients for their custom and loyalty.

"We are working in collaboration with the local GP surgeries to ensure our patients know which nearby pharmacies they can go to in future.”

Pendle Borough Council Waterside Ward Councillor, Alice Mann said the news was very disappointing and would cause problems for those people who would visit the pharmacy using public transport.

Cllr Mann said: "The older members of our society will mainly be affected as the pharmacy was right by the bus stop.

"However, there are quite a few pharmacies in Colne so people will not be left without."

Colne Health Centre Pharmacy has been serving patients across Colne for the last 38 years, moving from its previous premises on Market Street in 2014 to be part of the new, purpose-built health centre facility on Craddock Road.