Mystery surrounds whether any of Kent's Debenhams stores will be earmarked for closure over the next five years.

The chief executive officer Sergio Bucher announced that up to 10 stores “will be considered for closure” last week.

This is set to happen over the next five years.

A Debenhams spokesman said: Debenhams’ CEO announced its interim results and future strategy, which includes looking at the store estate.

“While it is stated that up to 10 stores will be considered for closure over the next five years, there will not be any immediate implications for any of the stores.

“At the same time, we continue to open a small amount of stores in selected locations.”

It is not clear whether this will affect any of Kent's stores.

Rumours erupted in September that the branch in Sandgate Road, Folkestone, would be shutting its doors in January.

But the company’s headquarters in London denied the closure rumours, saying the store is committed to its customers in Shepway.

A spokesman said last year: “Debenhams remains committed to our store in Folkestone and there are no plans to close.”