The Isle of Wight's last remaining LloydsPharmacy's look set to close - and be replaced by an independent chain.

The County Press has been told Lloyds branches in Ryde and East Cowes are in the process of being taken over.

It's understood pharmacy Jhoots is going to move in to the Ryde Esplanade building, and the Church Path one in East Cowes.

A spokesperson for LloydsPharmacy told the County Press: “LloydsPharmacy regularly reviews its pharmacy estate to ensure it is operating sustainably and any decision to sell stores is taken in the interests of patients, colleagues and the business.

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“At all times, patient safety remains our top priority ensuring that our customers and patients are always able to access vital prescriptions, health advice, products and services.”

Jhoots did not respond to requests for a comment.

Customers at both East Cowes and Ryde branches are being told, it's understood. It's unclear what the move means for staff.

The news comes after the County Press revealed both LloydsPharmacy branches in Newport are set to shut.

The one at Newport's Sainsbury's store is closing. It follows an announcement which confirmed all of the 237 pharmacy sites within the UK supermarket will be axed, as the County Press reported.

While it's understood Day Lewis Pharmacy is set to move into the Lloyds on Pyle Street, Newport.

Jhoots already has premises in Sandown and Ventnor.

May 31 has been earmarked as the takeover date.