SEVEN employees have been hit by the closure of The Unlimited Company store in The Chantry Centre.

Everyday healthcare provider Simplyhealth took the decision this week to shut ten of its stores, including in Andover, with immediate effect.

The Andover branch’s manager, four staff members, an engineer and a home assessment consultant are among the 85 workers affected by the closures, while five other care and mobility stores are being considered for possible sale.

The Unlimited Company store started up last year to provide support for those with mobility requirements, however Simplyhealth attributes a ‘real shift’ in customer needs and similar products being sold in general large retailers as to how the business model was no longer sustainable.

Chief executive of Simplyhealth Romana Abdin said: “This is not the outcome we wanted when we created The Unlimited Company proposition.

“It was a very difficult decision to make, not just taking into account the thousands of customers that we have helped but because our own people will be affected.

“As someone with a disability myself I know there is a need for better support networks for people.

“Unfortunately it has become clear that physical shops are not a viable way forward for Simplyhealth and from a business viewpoint we have to ensure we look at better ways of providing people with the support they need.”

The store will continue to fulfil all orders that have been placed and says it will be supporting and contacting customers over the coming days.

The other stores closing in Bristol, Bicester, Blackburn, Burnham, Droitwich, Leeds, Morton Park, Norwich and Radstock.

Customers can contact 0808 271 6481 for more information.