Concerns have been raised over plans which could see up to seven Boots stores in Powys closed.

US-based Walgreens Boots Alliance, owner of the retail chain, warned on April 3 that it was looking to slash costs amid the "most difficult" quarter in the group's history.

Assembly Member for Brecon and Radnorshire Kirsty Williams says she has concerns over access to pharmacy services and job security if stores in Builth Wells, Knighton, and Llandrindod Wells are under threat.

She said: “The potential closure of Boots stores in Powys will be worrying for communities who rely on them for pharmacy services, particularly in towns where there would be nowhere else to go. Pharmacy plays an important role in keeping people healthy and taking pressure off other services in the NHS."

Ms Williams says she has contacted Powys Teaching Health Board to stress the importance of securing convenient access to pharmacy.

“I have written to the local health board to establish what plans are in place in the event these closures go ahead, stressing the importance of convenient access to pharmacy. We have limited public transport in Brecon and Radnorshire and I don’t want to see more people facing long journeys in order to access valuable healthcare services.

She added: "These are concerning developments and I sympathise with those who may face uncertainty over their jobs."