A BOOTS pharmacy in Brighton Hill has been taken over by a new owner this week.

Brighton Hill Pharmacy opened officially yesterday in Brighton Hill Parade, taking over the unit from Boots.

The new pharmacy will occupy half the unit that was used by Boots, with the other half believed to be opening as a kebab takeaway.

A premises licence to sell alcohol in the other half of the unit, which is currently empty, was granted by Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council in December.

Sagar Lungiwala, who has taken over the pharmacy, said he is looking forward to welcoming customers.

The pharmacist, who worked for Lloyds Pharmacy for the last seven years, told the Gazette: “I saw the unit was on sale and I have always wanted a pharmacy of my own so I put in an offer on it.”

Mr Lungiwala said customers whose prescriptions were sent to Boots have been informed of the change, and said all the data will be transferred over, including the unique NHS code.

“It makes it easier for us and patients,” said Mr Lungiwala, who lives in Bracknell with his wife.

Staff who worked in Boots have also been transferred to work in the new pharmacy, meaning there were no job losses.