A independent shop owner has made an impassioned plea to Deal residents to shop locally in the wake of the M&S closure.

Emma Ford, who runs Tamarisk Boutique, was compelled to write the appeal on Facebook after walking past the stripped back High Street store on Sunday morning.

Having joined the fight to save the iconic British brand by leading a paper petition, she described what she saw - with all signage removed - as a sad sight.

But she believes Deal deserves more than to let the loss of a "high street titan" beat it and is asking shoppers to "consciously" support local businesses.

She wrote: "Could I please urge you to consciously support your local businesses in the next few turbulent months?

"Buy your fruit and veg from that local supplier. Meet your mates for coffee at that independent café. Get great advice at the independent haberdasher. Show your local shopkeepers some love.

"After all, these businesses all started as a dream, a passion that we wanted to share.

"Love your local High Street. Allow us to keep on sharing that love."

M&S closed for the final time after 82 years at about 4pm last Saturday.

Residents showed their support to staff by hanging bunting and holding a flashmob which featured members of the town's Rock Choir.

Mrs Ford added: "It was really touching. Marks and Spencer was really busy on the day with lots of people going in to wish staff well.

"Everybody realises it's going to be a very difficult time while we readjust to having such a large shop missing from the High Street.

"I know we can survive this but we will have to think differently and we'll all have to be on the top of our game.

"We'll have to make sure we're responding to everything the customer wants. We'll have to try as a community to get some events going and keep breathing life into the community.

"You've got to remember that a few years ago we won High Street of the Year. That was a huge accolade and it took a lot of effort to win.

"We just have to build on what we already have, keep providing what Deal needs, keep that sense of community and I'm sure the High Street will survive with fingers crossed."

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