Bosses at a popular discount store marked for closure have revealed they wish to remain in town and are now seeking a new premises.

The Original Factory Shop in Deal will close its doors for the final time at its High Street location on September 28.

It comes as plans to transform the shop, which specialises in clothing, homeware and beauty products, were approved last year, with 17 flats to be built above it.

Five separate retail units are also destined for the ground level.

But bosses say they are hoping to stay in Deal after the closure.

A spokesman said: “After the landlord informed us that they were redeveloping our Deal store, we were unable to renew the lease.

“We want to remain in town and our property team would consider any alternative suitable sites.

“We are working hard to support all of those colleagues that will be affected and seeking to redeploy them across our business.”

Customers expressed their sadness after it was revealed the shop would be shutting next month.

“Oh no, that’s my favourite shop,” one resident wrote on Facebook.

Another said: “I love this shop. I go to Deal, from Dover, regularly, the main reason being the factory shop. Don't think I will be shopping at Deal much after it closes.”

The plans for the new flats and shops were give the green light despite locals’ concerns over a lack of parking spaces.

Members of Dover District Council’s planning committee voted the application through without debate after officers recommended approval, saying there were enough car spaces nearby.

Their report said: “Provision of the development with no parking is considered acceptable for the town centre location.

“Kent County Council Highways has advised that sufficient overnight parking is available within the vicinity of the site and that they have no objection to nil parking provision.”

KentOnline has contacted the applicants’ agents to find out when work will begin.

After the Deal store closes, just three The Original Factory Shops will remain in Kent. The others are in Tenterden, Biggin Hill and Headcorn.