Thirty five jobs will be affected when a supermarket closes later this month.

The Co-op in Park Street, Deal, has confirmed it will shut its doors for the last time on Saturday, November 24.

The building is earmarked to be demolished to make way for a new Aldi store, although planning permission is yet to be granted.

A spokesman for the Co-op said: “The Co-op is moving forward with real purpose and momentum, and while this usually involves the opening of new stores, we also have to make difficult decisions.

"This is in no way a reflection of the hard work of the 35 full-time and part-time colleagues.

“Every effort will be made to help them find alternative employment either at other local Co-op stores or elsewhere.

“We would like to thank the community for its support over the years.”

Dover District Council refused permission for an Aldi store on the site in September over objections to the felling of 10 mature trees.

However, the German firm has since resubmitted its original application. Its decision to try again - and maintain the controversial felling of trees - came after it says it was “inundated” with emails and calls from disappointed members of the public.

Last week, KentOnline's sister paper, the East Kent Mercury reported on campaigner Imogen Jenkins who feels residents have missed “a golden opportunity to stand up to a big chain”. She believes the town could have negotiated a compromise and set a national precedent.

It prompted a surge of letters to our editor both for and against.

Sue Evans said: “I agree with the statement made by Imogen Jenkins. A big company like Aldi would not pull out of this deal for the sake of trees.

“We have missed an opportunity to set a precedent here. Surely a compromise could have been met.”

Abby Spencer said: “So sad that a huge company can come into our beautiful little town and change the landscape so drastically.

“I am ashamed we have been bought so easily and seem to care less.”

However, Mary Sullivan said: “Let Aldi build. They are replacing trees, which are too big for a small site. We need lots more but small trees and £15,000 will buy lots. We don’t want empty buildings.”

Colin Drake said: “We need an Aldi store in Deal, as an alternative to Sainsbury’s. I cannot believe DDC planning committee previously ignored thousands of opponents to the developments in Sholden but turned down Aldi’s application on the basis of about 250.”