THE Isle of Wight LloydsPharmacy at Newport's Sainsbury's store is set to close, after an announcement confirmed all of the 237 pharmacy sites within the UK supermarket will be axed.

This decision follows a strategic review where it needed to cut services “in response to changing market conditions”.

LloydsPharmacy added that it is “exploring options” for each branch individual and will confirm exact closure plans on a “branch-by-branch” basis but expects to complete the process before the end of this year.

It has not been disclosed how many workers will be affected by this course of action.

Isle of Wight County Press: Sainsbury's superstore in NewportSainsbury's superstore in Newport (Image: Google Maps)

The pending closure will mean that Newport's only LloydsPharmacy will be on Pyle Street in the town centre.

Kevin Birch, chief executive officer of LloydsPharmacy, said: “This decision has not been an easy one and we understand that our patients and customers may have questions about how the change will affect them.

“We would like to thank them for their continued support and assure them that we are committed to providing a smooth transition over the coming months.

“I am very grateful to all our colleagues for their dedication to our patients, customers and communities.”

A Sainsbury's spokesperson said: “LloydsPharmacy is withdrawing pharmacy services from our stores over the coming months.

“We will work with them to ensure customers are clear on how they can access an alternative pharmacy provision to meet their needs.”