CHATHAM-BASED Kent Reliance Building Society is to close its branch in High Street, Ashford. One full-time staff member and two part-timers will be affected but they will be offered jobs elsewhere in the organisation.

The branch only opened for business in February last year with a VIP official ceremony performed by Lord Kingsdown, the Lord Lieutenant of Kent, one month later. The branch will close at the end of February. The society said it hoped customers would be able to continue to deal with the society through a local agency.

It is the second time that Kent Reliance has failed to build a strong business in Ashford. Its branch in Bank Street shut several years ago but the society wanted to have another go. It felt the fast-growing town with scores of new houses would be idea for business.