Britons have been left shocked after they discovered nearly 20 branches of the chain Boots are to close in the next few days.

Last summer, the popular high street chain announced it was shutting stores across the UK as it tries to cut 300 outlets.

The result of the move by Boot’s American owners is to reduce Boot’s portfolio from 2,200 outlets to 1,900.

As part of these changes, around 16 Boots are due to close over the coming days in cities across the UK, appalling locals in the process.

One of the places hardest hit by these cuts is the city of Plymouth, Devon. Speaking to The Sun, MP Luke Pollard said the chain was putting profit rather than people first.

He suggested: “Boots are putting profits before people and it stinks. I want to see alternative providers take over these pharmacies if Boots insists on shutting them down.”

The Mirror reported that fellow local Paul Woods exclaimed: “It’s devastating. This Boots is at the hub of the local community and is always extremely busy.

“It is also the end user for the vast majority of prescriptions issued by Bryn Cross Surgery, which is directly next door.”

Boot’s decision to cut so many stores comes as part of a cost-cutting exercise by its owners who have shut down around 48 opticians at the cost of 4,000 jobs, since 2020.

Speaking about their recent cuts, Boot’s CFO James Kehoe said: “We will continue to optimise our locations and opening hours, and expect to close an additional 300 locations in the UK and 150 locations in the US.”

What’s more, Boots say in their quarterly results report that they will “continue to consolidate a number of stores in close proximity to each other”.

They added: “Evolving the store estate in this way allows Boots to concentrate its team members where they are needed and focus investment more acutely in individual stores with the ambition of consistently delivering an excellent and reliable service in a fresh and up-to-date environment.”

The full list of Boots stores closing soon:

Cliftonville, Kent – January 20Pemberton, Wigan – January 26Hough Lane, Layland, Lancashire – to close in JanuaryRhos on Sea – March 2024Colwyn Bay – April 2024Caerleon Road, Newport – to close in early 2024Chepstow Road, Newport – to close in early 2024Carlyon Road, St Austell, Cornwall – to close in early 2024St Blazey, Cornwall – to close in early 2024Front Street, Prudhoe – no datePortland Walk, Barrow – no dateGestridge Road, Teignbridge – no dateLurgan – no dateChard Road, Plymouth – no dateMannamead Road, Plymouth – no dateClaremont Street, Plymouth – no date