Clarepharm Pharmacy has now taken over the two NHS prescription licenses in Budleigh Salterton, but it means the bigger store will close. 

When Lloyds operated in the town, they had two shops in the high street, one big shop and one small one opposite each other. The last day of trading for the bigger store was on Saturday, October 7, the new pharmacy will operate from the smaller store. 

A sign on the door says: "As of Monday, the 9th of October, all prescriptions must be collected from the small branch, across the road. Patients do not need to do anything, it automatically transfers to the small branch."

It was announced that Lloyds Pharmacy will be selling 40 of their stores across the UK – which includes the two stores in Budleigh Salterton.  

A poster has appeared in the window of the two stores in Budleigh Salterton to say: ‘This store is going through a change in ownership. Services and opening times will remain as normal.’ 

The two pharmacies are not planned to be physically closed by Lloyds, but transferred to another company. The new business taking over will have to apply for a new NHS dispensing license.

The stores have remained open, fulfilling prescriptions for patients throughout the changeover.