by Karen Morley

Last updated 13:41, Thursday, 03 April 2008

A Cumbrian couple have sold their chain of six pharmacies to high street giant Boots the Chemist.

J & L Forster Ltd, owned by directors Jeff and Lorraine Forster for 22 years, signed the contract last week for an undisclosed sum for their outlets, including ones in Carlisle, Aspatria and Appleby.

Mr Forster said: “We have owned the shops since 1986 and we felt that we had taken the business as far as we could and we are in a difficult retail environment. We decided it was time to let a bigger organisation take over.

“All six pharmacies have been sold to Boots, and I understand that in due course all the small pharmacies they own will be rebranded as Your Local Boots. I will carry on working over the next few moths in locum for the new owners, and the transfer of the business ensures employment rights for all employees.

“We intend to stay in the area, and have no clear idea on what future business ventures we may pursue, but plan to take a few months out to take stock of what we would like to do next.”

Boots spokesman Mike Addision said: “We can confirm that the six pharmacies previously owned by J & L Forster Limited have been acquired by Boots UK Limited. Boots will be looking to build on the current success of these businesses, serving customers locally to meet all of their health and beauty needs. The stores will trade under the Boots UK name and will be branded as ‘Your local Boots Pharmacy’ in the near future.”

The investment in Appleby by Boots has been heralded as a mark of the town’s economic viability. Secretary of the Appleby Chamber of Trade and Community, Karen Greenwood, said: “This is a very positive sign of confidence in investing in Appleby and we are pleased to welcome Boots as part of the community.

“This means a vital service will remain in the town and has a secure future.”

The shops sold are in Petteril Bank Road, Carlisle; Eden Pharmacy, Appleby; and ones in Aspatria, Frizington, Sedburgh and Kirkby Lonsdale.