A pharmacy which treated thousands of patients has been kicked out of its building after “breaching” its tenancy agreement.

BPS Enforcement attended Jhoots Pharmacy in Sandgate Road, Folkestone, at around 7.30pm this morning and changed the locks.

The pharmacy is located in the same building as Sandgate Road Surgery, which remains open.

A notice posted on the pharmacy’s closed shutters states: “It has been noted that you are in breach of your lease agreement/tenancy agreement/have no tenancy agreement or lease in place.

“The leaseholder or landlord has instructed us to take possession of the property under common law.

“Due to the breach of your lease/tenancy agreement, the locks on this premises have been changed and the keys returned to the leaseholder/landlord.”

It is understood that the security firm is assisting the surgery with the removal of stock from the pharmacy.

According to Community Pharmacy News, financial statements for the year ending December 31, 2024, revealed a sharp decline in Jhoots Chemist Limited’s funds ahead of a year of significant debt.

Published on March 4, the unaudited accounts showed that shareholders' funds fell to -£1,588,373 between December 31, 2023, and December 31, 2024 — a year-on-year drop of £1,855,914.

A spokesperson for NHS Kent and Medway said: “Jhoots Pharmacy in Sandgate Road, Folkestone is temporarily closed due to unforeseen circumstances.

“It is expected to reopen soon.

“Patients can find alternative pharmacies by visiting www.nhs.uk/find-a-pharmacy.

“We are sorry for any inconvenience.”

Jhoots, which also has a branch in Rainham, have been approached for a comment.