A YORK pharmacy has had to restrict the numbers of customers allowed inside at any one time and close for part of each day because of 'staffing challenges.'

A sign which has been in the door at Lloyds Pharmacy in Fulford Road for a number of days states: “Sorry, we are closed.

"Unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances, this pharmacy is only operating on a one to one basis and it will be closed from 2pm to 4pm today.”

A spokesperson for Lloyds said the pharmacy was open but with a reduced team and so, as a temporary measure, it was asking that just one customer entered the pharmacy at a time.

"Our pharmacy team continues to work hard to support our patients in as timely a manner as possible and has continued to fulfil all vaccination appointments and the dispensing of prescriptions," they said.

"We are focused on delivering a high standard of service and apologise for any inconvenience caused by staffing challenges."

The Press has reported in recent weeks how several hospitality outlets in the city centre have been hit by staffing shortages.

Costa Coffee in High Ousegate had to close its cafe area and serve takeaways only, Dyls cafe next to Skeldergate Bridge had to close on early days of the week and Zizzi Italian restaurant in Lendal was only able to take pre-booked tables because of staffing shortages and delivery issues.