Residents and traders have urged potential buyers of a supermarket not to consider turning the land into housing.

It was announced last week that Morrisons in North Lane, Faversham is set to shut in September - shocking many members of the community.

Bosses doubt the future sustainability and performance of the doomed branch, with the final day of trading set for September 17.

Shoppers were saddened to hear of the closure following the decision with Morrisons confirming the site will be put up for sale, sparking concerns the land will be redeveloped for homes.

Resident and businessman Richard Gates lamented the loss of the superstore and expressed his hopes of seeing the site become something more than just homes.

"This closure is a real shame for Faversham, particularly for those that work at the store," began the Saxon Shore estate agents’ boss.

"The worry here is that this site will be used for more housing development. There has been huge development already locally and we need more basic services in place to support the increased population.

"This would be a great site for a doctor's surgery or a new school/nursery or even all of those.

"Let's hope the powers that be consult on this correctly and a decision has not already been made."

Hopeful residents began to push the rumour mill into overdrive on social media last week following the news - with many wishing to see fresh faces arrive in the town.

Some of the more alternative suggestions put forward included a McDonald’s, which would be a first for the market town, and a nightclub.

Town councillor Julian Saunders expressed his disappointment at the news but warned “it’s too early to speculate”.

The Labour politician said: ”It's very disappointing, it's a store that a lot of local people use - it's within easy walking distance for people so it's a definite loss.

"It's a big blow for the staff too and I hope the company can sort something out for them in exchange for their loyal service.

"I'm aware there would be limits on what you could do with the site, there might be the opportunity to redevelop the area that contributes to regenerating the creek area but it's too early to speculate.

"And of course, it's a much-valued shop and because it's designed for that purpose another retail business may want to use it.”

With just under 500 sites in the UK – 13 in Kent – Morrisons has since confirmed none of the other Kent branches face the same fate.

Having been present in the building since 2009, the timeline for the sale of the North Lane property is yet to be unveiled by Morrisons.

Tim Brown, chairman of the Faversham Traders Association and owner of E Street Music, confessed his own desire to see a business fill the void.

"It's definitely a blow, it was tucked away quite nicely across the other side of town and served that area well,” he said.

"Businesses small or large do come and go but obviously this is a significant change - it employs a lot of people which is a big worry.

"I don't know if there are any plans to move anything or anyone in yet but I would like to see another business go in there.

“What sort of business I don't know, it's a big store with car parking.

"What is important though is to see it become something useful to the community rather than just more flats and houses which I'm sure is on someone's agenda somewhere.

"Infrastructure is a big thing in Faversham and there doesn't seem to be much work going into that if at all.”