A branch of Jhoots Pharmacy in a shopping centre in Rainham closed on Friday with a notice in its window from a bailiff company notifying patients it had been repossessed by the landlord.

Commercial Rent Bailiffs Limited said it had entered the “demised premises” of the pharmacy, which used to be a LloydsPharmacy, in Rainham Shopping Centre and taken possession of it. According to Kent Live, the pharmacy’s staff were unaware the branch had closed, having turned up for work on Friday morning to discover “several notices up in the window”.

The notice from Commercial Rent Bailiffs Limited said: “Under the terms and conditions of your rental agreement or lease, we as acting agents and with the authority of your landlord have today (Friday, April 19) entered these demised premises and have served notice and have taken possession.

“No unauthorised persons are permitted entry into these premises and any attempt to do so will result in criminal proceedings being instigated against you.”

A handwritten note apparently from Jhoots in the pharmacy’s window said it would be “closed until Monday (April 22)” and urged patients who are “in desperate need of medicines” to speak to their surgery.

Independent Community Pharmacist called the Jhoots branch today but got a recorded message that said “Jhoots Pharmacy Rainham is unavailable”.

According to Kent Live, patients reported the nearest pharmacy at Tesco in Rainham Mark was “extremely busy” following the closure of the Jhoots branch which was Rainham Shopping Centre’s only pharmacy. Kent Live also reported that Rainham Healthy Living Centre sent a text message to patients telling them the pharmacy would be “closed for the foreseeable”.

However, it emerged today that another handwritten note appeared in the branch's window telling patients the pharmacy is moving to the site of a former Boots store nearby which closed last month.

ICP has contacted Jhoots to ask it why the store had a repossession notice, who the landlord is, when it might reopen and whether Jhoots gave staff and patients sufficient notice that the branch would close.