Anger over queues at pharmacies after closures

People queueing at another Boots store in Troon

People claiming prescriptions in Cornwall have complained of delays over the closure of three Boots pharmacies.

The pharmacy chain is closing stores in Pool, Camborne and Redruth as part of a plan to "consolidate" the business.

Customers said the closures led to a surge of people queuing at alternative pharmacies for their prescriptions.

Dr Phil Trevail, a GP in Pool, said the closures meant patients were struggling to get their medications on time.

Notice on front of a former Boots store at Pool near Camborne

He said: "We are in one of the most deprived areas of Cornwall and access to pharmacies is difficult."

Pool resident Rosemary Johnson said "queues were going out the door" following the closures.

"We've got queues in Tesco nearly 35 people deep and we've got people who are irate in the queue," she said.

"How awful to queue up like I did for an hour with my bad knee, and I got there and he said, 'We haven't got your tablets'."

Tina Fidock, a Troon resident, said: "Everywhere is short-staffed."

Albert Rosevear said it had taken a week to get a prescription ready.

"It's terrible you know, waiting," he said.

Boots said it was shutting down stores in close proximity to each other as part of plans to "consolidate" the business.

The BBC understands there will be no redundancies and staff will be offered work at nearby stores.