Questions have been raised over a pharmacy in Helston after a customer was told by staff they were unable to open despite it being past regular hours. 

On Boots' website, the opening hours are stated as 9am to 5pm Monday to Saturday.

However, the Packet was contacted by one local man this morning who visited the pharmacy in Meneage Street after 9am to buy just a toothbrush and some vitamins, only to be told by a member of staff that they weren’t open as there was no available pharmacist present.

Despite explaining he was simply there to buy items that weren’t needed from the pharmacy, the staff member told him - through the glass - that they couldn’t open as they were waiting for the area manager, who is also a pharmacist, to travel down from Plymouth.

The man told the Packet: "I was also told that the store had already been shut recently for four days for the same reason and had lost a lot of business.

"Boots are the leading chemist/pharmacy across the country. This doesn’t look good for Helston."

There have also been questions raised on social media about why Boots was closed this morning (Wednesday).

The Packet contacted the Boots press office for more information about what is happening. 

A spokesperson from Boots said: “Like other pharmacies, we are experiencing some challenges with pharmacist resources.

“Our teams are working hard to keep stores open, minimise disruption for customers, and provide the best possible service.

“Sometimes, rather than close a pharmacy for a day, we will alter our opening times.

“We apologise to customers who have been affected and thank them for bearing with us and being kind to our team members at this time.”