MORE than 60 jobs are to be axed with the closure of a pharmacy warehouse.

The decision to shut the Peel Street Pharmacy warehouse in Accrington comes just weeks after the family firm which operates chemists shops in Accrington and Blackburn was bought out.

No date has been set for the closure of the distribution depot on Exchange Street but it is expected to be during the summer.

New owners of the Peel Group Lloyds Pharmacy, Midlands-based Lloydspharmacy said the that the East Lancashire warehouse did not fit in with existing Lloyds warehousing operation.

"This decision has not been taken without careful consideration," said Mike Oldfield, project manager for the merger.

"We are working closely with those affected to provide assistance and guidance wherever possible and we will be seeking to find alternative employment for as many staff as we can."

The firm said it would offer career advice to staff including help with producing CVs and interview techniques.

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