Poundland has confirmed that one of its two Ashford town centre stores is to close.

But the bargain chain says the shutdown of the High Street branch on Sunday, July 9 will lead to the opening of an "even bigger store soon".

And that has led to rumours spreading widely on social media that the company is set to take over the large former BHS store in the County Square shopping centre which has been empty since it closed last year.

If that happened it would create one of the biggest Poundland stores in Kent as the old BHS store has two floors.

Staff in Poundland - which is based in the old Woolworths store - have been telling customers that the shop is closing and the firm aims to move into the BHS premises.

In social media messages to customers seen by KentOnline, Poundland stated the high street store will close on Sunday, July 9.

If that happens the other Poundland store inside the County Square shopping centre would continue trading until the revamped BHS outlet was ready to open.

The shop is currently holding a 'flash sale' with all stock reduced in price by 25 per cent.

If this plan becomes a reality it would be a major boost for Ashford town centre and County Square.

But Poundland PR are remaining tight lipped about details on the store closure and the rumours regarding the BHS takeover. A spokesman said today: "When we have news regarding the store to share with you, we will."

Up until the start of this year had THREE outlets in Ashford - in the High Street, in County Square and the Warren Retail Park.

But the firm's unit on the Warren Retail Park closed in February and is currently being revamped as a Home Bargains store.

Former tenant Poundland closed on February 1, just eight months after it opened.