Two prominent Ashford town centre shops have shut their doors for the last time.

Home furnishings store The Merchant Chandler in Ashford’s North Street was the first to go at the end of last week after more than 10 years of trading in Ashford.

The chain has six outlets across Kent, including one in Tenterden, which the owners have confirmed will remain open, although the fate of the other branches is not yet known.

Signs announcing an “end of lease” half-price sale were seen in the windows of the building, in North Street, last Friday.

Clarks shoes ceased trading from its store at the entrance to County Square shopping centre in the High Street on Wednesday.

Footwear had been sold from the same premises for almost 40 years, since John Farmer opened at the unit in 1975.

It is not known who will be taking over either unit.

Full story in this week's Kentish Express.