PHARMACY chain Boots says it has "no major programme" of store closures planned in the UK.

The high street retailer was reacting to reports suggesting it could be ready to shut stores in a cost-cutting bid after posting a surprise profit warning.

Boots has three stores centrally in York, at Coney Street, Coppergate Centre and Kings Square, as well as a dedicated optician on Parliament Street and several branches in outlying areas.

A company spokesman said: "We currently do not have a major programme envisaged, but as you'd expect we always review underperforming stores and seek opportunities for consolidation."

He added that comments made by Alex Gourlay, from the chain's American parent Walgreens Boots Alliance, regarding an imminent portfolio review, had been "taken out of context".

It was reported in The Press yesterday that investors, including developers Helmsley Group, had bought the building that houses Boots' flagship store on Coney Street, with the intention of turning the upper floors into a hotel or apartments.

The lease on this unit is set to run for another four years and the development company said it would work with Boots should it wish to extend that further.