A River Island store is to close later this month - dealing another blow to a shopping centre which has already lost M&S and Debenhams.

Ashford's branch of the clothing chain opened in the County Square extension in March 2008.

But a closing down sign has now appeared in the front window, revealing the store will shut on August Bank Holiday Monday.

Bosses say they are "sorry for any inconvenience" and are directing Ashford shoppers to their other stores in Canterbury and Maidstone.

Reports last week suggested River Island is considering undertaking a company voluntary arrangement (CVA), which would allow it to reduce rents with landlords and close shops.

Last month, the fashion retailer said it will make 250 head office staff redundant following a drop in sales due to Covid-19.

The closure marks another blow for County Square, which enjoyed a £60m expansion 12 years ago.

Last year, M&S pulled out of the shopping centre before Debenhams followed suit in January, leaving its huge three-storey shop empty.

KentOnline revealed yesterday how County Square's Poundland store has shut its doors for a month, with bosses blaming the closure on low footfall.

In 2018, customers and workers were evacuated from Ashford's River Island store after the floor "exploded".

Several tiles suddenly cracked and broke apart, forcing staff to close the shop for a number of days.

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